By Dr Vusi Shongwe
AFFECTIONATELY known for his famous remark “U-Amen Usekhona Revival”, Reverend Dr Simon Dingane Gumbi, one of our proud living intercessors, is described by many as “a true Man for Others [who] challenges us to see, think, feel, be, and do better”.
Even in the twilight of his life, Gumbi is renowned for his diligence and remarkable breadth of knowledge. His unwavering devotion to evangelism defines his life. Evangelism, derived from a Greek word, means “to proclaim good news”.
In person, Gumbi is gentle and unfailingly patient. He combines an understanding of the Church with a kind disposition towards all who bear the Lord’s image. He is greatly admired for his oratory skills and the strength of his convictions. Gumbi embodies his evangelical motto, visus non mentietur (the vision will not disappoint), inspired by the prophet Habakkuk.
Our faith invites us to believe in a vision that will not disappoint; amid signs of cultural collapse, we must commit to the only vision that can sustain a thriving culture—the vision of Christ. When we do, we will not be disappointed, for Christ’s vision, as we express in the Lord's Prayer, is “thy Kingdom come.”
Pastor Gumbi is truly gifted and creative. Joseph Conrad beautifully captured the common goal of creative individuals: “To compel men to glance for a moment at the surrounding vision, to pause for a look—such is the aim, difficult and evanescent, reserved for very few.” This description aptly reflects Gumbi’s captivating evangelism, always enriched with relevant social examples and pertinent anecdotes.
Best known for his unorthodox style of preaching, Gumbi tirelessly ensures that his sermons address the core issues of life, steering clear of abstraction. The exhilaration of Dr Gumbi’s sermons, infused with humour, rigour, and compassion, is akin to the exuberance of a horse galloping joyfully across a field. His Pentecostal preaching is always engaging. He is a jovial pastor committed to helping others succeed in increasingly difficult circumstances.
More than a towering presence in God’s ministry, he is a good friend to those who know him profoundly. Gumbi embodies numerous lessons: how much greatness can reside in one person, the importance of listening to ourselves and others, the value of patience and humility, and the necessity of embracing new challenges throughout life, learning from experience.
He exemplifies how to handle the difficult realities of the past, maintain composure amid responsibility and success, and, perhaps most importantly, find goodness and joy in life. I refer to him as the “church without walls”, bringing the message of Jesus Christ to our neighbourhoods. His passion for preaching, people, and evangelism shines. Gumbi leaves no doubt about promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
An immensely compassionate person, Gumbi is deeply moved by the sufferings and failures of others, filled with mercy. While he can be grumpy and snarky at times, he possesses a quirky sense of humour. He shares humorous stories from his decades-long evangelistic crusades.
A lively man, Gumbi is passionate about serving God. His captivating blend of dry wit, brilliant insight, humility, profound compassion, and a realistic understanding of human limitations defines him. His narrative echoes the present continuous: connecting, creating, hearing, handing on, researching, and refining. Although his accomplishments may appear intimidating, he rarely complains about his demanding schedule, which has made him a household name.
I vividly recall his crusades, transforming acoustics into holy ground. His self-deprecating humour is central to his vision of servitude. Gumbi is not only a remarkable preacher but also a talented singer, positively influencing millions and assisting countless couples as a marriage counsellor. His unwavering commitment to preaching the word of God is truly unmatched.
Described as unstintingly generous in supporting those whose joy is remarkable, Gumbi has a keen eye for detail and an expansive scope of knowledge, offering insights laced with humour. Known for his genuinely affable nature and a loud voice that has become a trademark of his sermons, he is an extraordinary human being. His eagerness to share his extensive knowledge, fuelled by a striking blend of generosity and humour, transforms his erudition into valuable experiences while proving to be a dedicated mentor.
Gumbi’s eccentricities humourously balance his intensity, and his self-deprecating humour is central to his identity as a servant of God. He employs storytelling effectively in his sermons, serving as a true torchbearer of God’s greatest news.
Gumbi’s distinctive generosity and joy have empowered many who have participated in his crusades. His ability to provide insightful commentary with humour leaves his audiences both enlightened and entertained. Known for his affable nature and powerful voice, he embarks on life with zest and an insatiable desire to better the lives of God’s children. A good friend to those who know him well, he uses his considerable talents to uplift others.
As one of the leading evangelists, Gumbi commands a large following. He is one of South Africa’s most prodigious figures in religion, regularly preaching to thousands, if not millions, who deeply appreciate his messages. His evangelistic ministries through revivals, camp meetings, conferences, and conventions have left a profound impact.
Gumbi is indefatigable in his evangelism—selfless, humble, generous, and kind. He is a steadfast servant of God’s people, a healer, and a priest who changes lives rather than disturbs the universe. His engaging personality, enlivened by humour, possesses sincerity and conviction. His life testifies to his faith, a monument to his achievements.
Above all, he exemplifies a belief that truth must ultimately prevail, and that amid oppressive social orders, humanity will achieve its divine heritage and democratic freedom. In collegial settings, it is not unusual to hear Gumbi break into song, his memory for lyrics energising many gatherings. His generosity enriches his own work and enhances the appreciation of others.
This congenial energy anticipates the surprises of a God who is actively at work. His unwavering confession of the lordship of Jesus Christ represents a legacy for all—from Evangelicals and Charismatics to High-Church adherents. Evangelism and mission are central to Rev Gumbi’s calling.
His exploration of evangelism within the church is marked by theological depth and pastoral concern. He advocates for the immersion of new believers into the fullness of the Christian faith, challenging reductionist views of evangelism. Reverend Gumbi inspires others to believe they can make a difference, modelling the idea that one person can have a profound impact, and that counsellors are called to step into all areas of need with determined love.
Max Weber, the German sociologist, argued that religion could be a force for social change, suggesting that charismatic personalities often drive this change. Weber noted that unusual individuals with charismatic gifts tend to emerge during social crises, gathering enthusiastic supporters and creating movements that reshape societal structures.
I firmly believe Gumbi embodies Weber’s description of the charismatic change agent. He can be seen as a prophet, speaking forth the Word of God in contemporary contexts and inspiring change. Remarkably, years later, people still remember his words, having made significant life alterations because of them. We pray that, even in his twilight years, the bonds of the common evangelistic endeavours he fostered will remain strong.
Gumbi, you undoubtedly represent our nation’s true royalty. We salute you and hold you in great reverence and respect.
* Dr Vusi Shongwe works in the Department of Arts and Culture in KwaZulu-Natal and writes in his personal capacity.
** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, Independent Media or IOL.