The newly elected vice-chair of Badisa’s management committee shares how faith, humility, and a passion for transformation shape his approach to leadership.
Reverend Msawenkosi “Msa” Ntshongwana is the pastor of the Vredenburg United Reformed Church in Southern Africa (VGKSA) on the West Coast. He was born in the Eastern Cape and grew up in the small town of Luzupu, completing his schooling there before studying theology and obtaining two master’s degrees at Stellenbosch University.
For him, it was always part of God’s plan that he would become a pastor. “God has a way of directing someone’s life in a direction. God brought me to Badisa, and I am grateful to be able to serve Him in this way. I was chosen by Diakonia to represent my ward, but behind all of this lies God’s plan,” says Ntshongwana.
He serves as a volunteer on the Badisa steering committee for two reasons: “First, Badisa was born out of the church’s calling to serve. The NG church and the VGKSA laid the foundation for an integrated diaconal solution to help people and communities. The VGKSA is my home, and because the VGKSA is part of Badisa, I serve here with joy. Second, it is my passion to change lives – especially when it leads to true transformation. Stories of people whose lives change positively motivate me to remain true to my calling.”
When Ntshongwana talks about leadership, he always refers to God.
“A leader with character asks two questions: What would God do, and what would God not do? People want leaders they can trust, who serve with godliness and who follow the example of Christ. At Badisa, this kind of character is more important than anything else.”
His approachability stems from his childhood, and he remembers a Xhosa proverb from his childhood: “Umntu ngumnu ngabantu” which means “I am because you are”.
He explains that every person is equal. “There is a reason why God makes you a leader. You can pursue your own agenda, or you can surrender your life to His plan. True humility is recognizing Christ as the head of your life and allowing Him to take control. Humility is giving God all the glory, because nothing is possible without Him.
“People don’t want a leader who only thinks about himself. A leader who serves is a true difference maker. If there is no change where you lead, then you are not serving enough.”
For Ntshongwana, servant leadership is not a theory at Badisa, but a reality. With over a million beneficiaries, the organization is proof to him that servanthood changes lives, and he knows he doesn’t have to do it alone.
“Every time the Badisa team needs me, I am there, but leaders must learn to empower others, delegate, and share their knowledge. My congregation understands my role at Badisa, and that makes it possible for me to serve here faithfully.”
Ntshongwana’s faith forms the basis for his empathy for people. “What’s wrong with feeling people’s pain? What’s wrong with sharing emotion with those who feel desperate? Leaders shouldn’t just see what’s happening around them—they should feel it too. Every time I open my eyes, I see a lost and dying world with people who are desperate for hope and truth. It bothers me. Through my role at Badisa, I know I can reach over a million of those people with hope. To be part of an organization that truly brings light to a dark world is incredible. The impact of Badisa and the church will continue for years to come. There will be many more stories of hope in the future.”
Now that Badisa is celebrating its 22nd anniversary, Ntshongwana reflects with gratitude. “What excites me is that I know we are not alone. God’s grace and mercy are palpable in this organization, and it gives us hope for the future. At the 21st anniversary celebration, I said that I wish Badisa another 21 blessed years and commit myself to doing my part to change lives for the next two decades.”
Msa concludes by saying that he wants to be remembered one day for the impact he has had on others.
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