‘ I heard God’s voice and they said I was mad’

“In grade 11 God spoke to me. I used to hear His voice in class and my teachers and peers thought I was crazy.
“After that, I was admitted to a psychiatric ward for two weeks, within those weeks I lost my ability to speak, I knew I was not crazy, but I could not prove it. That was the most traumatising experience I have ever had”.
Aubrey Siphiwe Nxumalo (44) is a pastor, a counsellor, a mentor and a role model to many. Born in Dundee and raised in Nquthu in the Magogo location, he currently stays in Durban’s Mzinyathi township. Siphiwe finished his matric at Zamokwakhe High school in 1992 and went to the Invisible Bible School. He then went to study at the University of KwaZulu-Natal and obtained a certificate in Theology. He has since worked under Thukela/ Majuba/ Mzinyathi Christian Council (KZNCC) and also under Independent Counsellors.
What triggered Siphiwe’s passion was when he had to take care of his blind grandfather and he saw how he struggled to accept his condition. This made Siphiwe decide to work with physically challenged people and help them through prayer and counselling.
“In 2004 I started working as a counsellor and I established a non-profit organisation in Wasbank and I had an office in Ladysmith before moving to Durban.” His company is called Thwalisanani Care and Counselling Organisation. He employs ten other counsellors and they work closely with the Department of Health, the Department of Social Welfare and the South African Police Services (SAPS).
They deal with HIV/AIDS, physically challenged people, rape survivors, families, divorce, death, emotional stress, work conflict counselling and motivation. Referrals to the clinic are done if needed. The SAPS is also involved in resolving legal matters such as rape and abuse. All counselling sessions are confidential and Siphiwe and his team travel to their client’s destination when needed.
He gives back to the community by conducting free workshops at churches, prisons and schools. In these workshops, they elaborate in detail concerning what counselling is all about. He said that “people think counselling is only for the troubled souls, which is not the case, as everyone needs counselling – even me as a priest – I also need it, doctors, teachers and nurses too”.
What makes Thwalisanani different from all other counselling practices is that they involve spiritual healing and deliverance. They pray for their patients and, if necessary, invite their families. They have three-day sessions and they do follow-ups through community workshops.
“It’s through my family’s support, especially my wife, Nozipho Biyela, and the kids that I have realised my destiny. I would like to thank everyone who has been supporting and encouraging me. We are looking to opening an office here in Dundee as well,” said Siphiwe.
For bookings please call 072 940 1069.