Evangelist Ndodzo Rhenius Netshimbupfe, from Tshivhazwaulu Ha Mangilasi village near Thohoyandou, has written four powerful books to guide people on their spiritual journeys.
Now 59 years old, Netshimbupfe began writing in 2012 during a difficult time in his life as he was going through a divorce. His first book was The Truth of Real Life, and in 2024, he completed three more: Tough Times Never Last, Things Shall Turn Around, and There is Power in the Spoken Word. He is currently working on four more books, including one in Tshivenda, which he hopes will be used in schools.
Netshimbupfe draws inspiration from spiritual leaders such as Apostle Professor Masakona and Dr Elijah Maswanganyi. "Writing isn't easy," he said. "You need time alone to focus, and when I started, I was dealing with my divorce, which made it even harder." He credits his family, especially his daughter Wavhudi Netshimbupfe, who writes poems, for being a great source of support.
Netshimbupfe believes in the enduring power of writing and the legacy it can leave. "A book lasts forever. Even after I'm gone, my children and grandchildren will read my books," he said. He attributes his success to always keeping God first in everything he does. "I see it as God's grace that the Holy Spirit inspires my books. My dream is for my books to be read in schools and for my work to be recognised by the government."
In addition to writing, Netshimbupfe is also a musician, having already recorded eight gospel albums. Music has always been an integral part of his ministry, and he draws inspiration from artists such as Pastor Benjamin Dube and Dr Mercy Masakona, who has won awards for her work.