FACE 2 FACE /
Rev Ntombomzi Sihlahla with
Q APlease tell us about your work. I work as a director and founder of Balm in Gilead Rehabilitation and Empowerment Centre.
The term “Balm in Gilead” is a Biblical term taken from Jeremiah 8:21-22: “Since my people are crushed, I am crushed ... Is there no balm in Gilead?” Meaning a healing ointment for crushed and bruised people.
My main focus is on sex workers and female exoffenders.
I’m moving with this work from Nelson Mandela Metro to Ndlambe Municipality as the church has allocated me to Port Alfred.
On my arrival in the church my heart went out to those who are hungry.
Inspired by Jesus when he said in Luke 9:13 “Give them something to eat”, at Lubabalo Baptist church every Wednesday at midday we have a soup kitchen.
Q: How and where did it all start?
A: It all started in 2011 when I was still working for the government and I used to pass by sex workers in Motherwell in Gqeberha.
I would feel pain because I was convinced that they are not proud of what they are doing.
One day I stopped the car and approached one of them, and she told me she did not want to be there.
She took me to a house where she was living with other sex workers. Healing was a real need: a balm to soothe the physical, emotional and spiritual scars of life.
Q: Best moment?
A: My best moment was when more than 30 women decided to give their lives to Christ.
Q: Low point (and how you recovered)?
A: My low points were when some relapsed, and poverty was the main challenge.
The other NPO, Sophakama in Gqeberha, helped us with a stipend.
The women recovered and are still working towards improving their lives.
Q: Down time: how do you unwind?
A: Listening to gospel music.
Q: Something South African to celebrate?
A: As South Africans, let’s celebrate the beauty of the nature that God surrounded us with.
Q: One thing SA needs to fix?
A: South Africa needs to fix the issue of racism.
Q: Top of your recommendations for visitors to Ndlambe and the Sunshine
Coast?
A: I recommend Royal Port Alfred Golf Club for visitors.
Q: Top of your own bucket list? A: Boat cruising.
Q: Favourite book?
A Military History of South Africa: from the Dutch-Khoi Wars to the End of Apartheid, by Timothy J Stapleton.
Q: Favourite movie?
A: The Passion of the Christ.
Q: Favourite artist? Benjamin Dube.
Q: Who is your hero, and why? A: Paul Msiza. He is my hero because he is very grounded and passionate about our continent.
He is very knowledgeable and leaves you with a strong will to live.