Recently elected as Vice Chairperson of Badisa’s Management Board, Reverend Msawenkosi Ntshongwana shares how faith, humility and a passion for transformation shape his approach to leadership.
Affectionately known as Msa, he continues to bring his passion for servant leadership, transformation, and faith-driven service into the heart of the organisation.
Msa was born in Lusikisiki, a small town in the Eastern Cape. He grew up in the dusty rural village of Luzupu, where he completed his schooling before going on to study theology. Today, he holds both a Master’s in Divinity and a Master’s in Theology from Stellenbosch University. He serves the congregation of Vredenburg Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa (URCSA) on the West Coast, and at home he is a husband to Pilisa and father to their two children, a boy and a girl.
For Msa, becoming a minister has always been part of God’s hand shaping his life. “God has a way of channeling the life of a person,” he says. “God brought me into Badisa, and I am happy to serve Him on such a wonderful platform. Of course, I was elected through Diaconia to represent my presbytery, but behind it all, it is God’s plan.”
Called to serve
Msa serves as Vice Chairperson of Badisa’s Management Committee on a voluntary basis. For him, this decision has two roots. “First, Badisa is an organisation born from the church’s commitment to serve. Both the Dutch Reformed Church and the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa laid the foundation for an integrated diaconal approach to uplift individuals and communities. URCSA is my home, and because URCSA is involved in Badisa, I gladly serve here too. Second, changing lives is my passion, especially when it leads to transformation. Stories of lives changed keep me committed to this calling.”
Leading with character
When he speaks about leadership, Msa always points back to God. “A leader with character constantly asks two important questions: What would God do? And what would God not do? People want leaders they can trust. Leaders who serve with godliness, righteousness and Christlikeness. In Badisa, that kind of character is more important than anything else.”
His approachability is rooted in his upbringing, and recalls a Xhosa proverb from his childhood which says “Umntu ngumntu ngabantu” which means “I am because you are.” Says Msa, “Every human being is equal. There is a reason God allows you to be a leader. You can operate on your own agenda, or you can give yourself to His plan. True humility comes when you recognise Christ as the head of your life and yield to His control. Humility is letting God get all the credit, because nothing happens without His involvement.”
Servant leadership in action
“People do not want a leader who only thinks of himself. A servant leader is a changemaker. If there is no change where you lead, then you don’t serve enough.”
For Msa, servant leadership is not theory, it is a reality at Badisa. With over a million beneficiaries, he sees the organisation as proof that service changes lives. He also knows he doesn’t have to do it alone. “Every time I am needed, I show up. But leaders must learn to empower others, delegate, and share what they know. My congregation understands my role in Badisa, and that makes it possible for me to serve here faithfully.”
Faith that feels
Msa’s faith shapes not only his leadership but also his empathy. “What is wrong with feeling people’s pain? What is wrong with sharing emotion with those in despair? Leaders must not only see what is happening around them, but also feel it. Every time I open my eyes, I see a lost and dying world and people desperate for hope and truth. That bothers me. Through my role at Badisa, I know I can reach over a million of those people with hope.”
This conviction has left its mark on him. “To be part of this life-changing vehicle is a privilege. The impact of Badisa and the church will last for years. There will be more stories of dignity and hope to tell.”
Looking ahead
As Badisa celebrates 22 years, Msa reflects on its journey with gratitude. “My excitement comes from knowing we are not alone. The grace and mercy of God are upon this organisation, securing its future. At our 21-year celebration, I said I wish Badisa another 21 years, and I committed myself to continue playing my part in impacting lives for the next two decades.”
A legacy of impact
When asked what kind of leader he hopes to be remembered as, Msa’s answer is simple. “My title won’t last, but my impact will. Leadership is not about titles, but about the growth and inspiration you bring to others. I don’t want to call myself a leader if no one grows when I am around.”
