Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube, [email protected]
FAITH in Christ International (FCI) Church in Pumula South, Bulawayo, was all joy and jubilation on Sunday as congregants and guests from around the world gathered to honour their beloved founder and leader, Prophet Dr Thabiso Ngwenya. The occasion marked both his 50th birthday and the celebration of his recent academic achievement, a Doctor of Philosophy in Christian Leadership from the US.-based Logos University. Prophet Ngwenya was born on 15 June 1975 in Nkayi, Matabeleland North Province.
The celebration combined worship, prophecy and music, reflecting Dr Ngwenya’s strong love for praise and brass band performances. True to tradition, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) brass band, the prophet’s favourite, was in full attendance, thrilling the crowd with a lively medley of his favourite hymns. Also making a memorable debut was Premier High School brass band, adding youthful flair and energy to the festive atmosphere.
“This marks the 20th year I’ve celebrated my birthday with my church family right here at our Pumula South headquarters. It’s not just a birthday, it’s a celebration of God’s grace over my life and ministry,” Dr Ngwenya shared with heartfelt gratitude.
The prophet, affectionately known as the “Bombing Master” for his explosive and spirited preaching style, was visibly moved as both brass bands delivered personalised renditions of his favourite songs. He watched on with emotion as the ZPCS band honoured him with a powerful version of Happy Birthday before singing the spiritual anthem Mhururu Kumatenga, while Premier High School charmed attendees with their captivating setlist, impressing even the seasoned ZPCS musicians.
Dr Ngwenya’s musical taste, rooted in traditional gospel and Afro-spiritual rhythms, was on full display as congregants danced, sang and rejoiced in celebration of the man, who has led them faithfully for decades.
Among the hundreds of guests were international visitors from South Africa, China and Botswana, highlighting Dr Ngwenya’s growing regional and global impact as a faith leader. One such visitor, Oratile Molefe from Gaborone, Botswana, expressed her joy: “Dr Ngwenya has been instrumental in my spiritual growth. It was important for me to be here. A large number of us came from Botswana, and we simply couldn’t miss this moment. He’s loved across the region.”
The milestone celebration was not only a tribute to a beloved spiritual father but also a showcase of Bulawayo as a rising religious tourism destination, thanks to FCI Church’s global network and prophetic influence. – @themkhust
