The Rev. Ernest Mcambi, 1944-2025
Paul Freed with Ernest Mcambi and his wife, Mavis.The Rev. Ernest B. Mcambi, who made the clear teaching of the Word of God available to Zulu speakers across southern Africa and beyond, passed into glory on Sept. 12, 2025.
Since it was established in 1988, Mcambi has been the Zulu-language voice of Thru the Bible.
“Rev. Ernest B. Mcambi was more than a preacher – he was a pioneer,” said Petros Gwala, Ministry Projects manager for TWR Africa. “His ministry through radio and digital platforms brought the Word of God to places where it was most needed.”
Harry Bettig, Thru the Bible liaison for TWR, recalled meeting Mcambi at a July 2019 listener rally in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. “Some attendees came just to meet Rev. Mcambi,” Bettig said. “He was dedicated, respected as a great Bible teacher and loved by many.”
That was reflected in the response to a Facebook post announcing Mcambi’s death from Voice of the Church, the Eswatini station that partners with TWR. It drew 2,300 reactions and at least 795 comments.
“Deepest condolences, family of God,” wrote one. “Mornings will never be the same. [His was] a voice that would give hope as you start your day.”
Pastor and Scholar
The longtime senior pastor of Durban Central Baptist Church in South Africa, Mcambi earned diplomas in theology from Baptist Bible Institute and Baptist Theological College, a licentiate in theology from Baptist Theological College and an honourary doctorate in theology.
He previously had served as president of KwaZulu-Natal Baptist Association and was a lecturer at Omega Theological College in Pinetown and True Vine Bible College in Durban.
Thru the Bible, or Amazwi okuphila in Zulu, airs on Umgungundlovu FM, Good News Community Radio, Radio Pulpit and TWR medium wave. In 2019, Umgungundlovu FM started a live Zulu Thru the Bible broadcast on Fridays. Mcambi would respond on the air to listeners’ questions or comments.
Transformed Lives
Even in its fifth decade, the programme has lost none of its freshness from the point of view of listeners.
“Since we began embracing your Bible teachings through the radio, our lives have transformed in ways we never imagined possible,” one Amazwi okuphila listener wrote in August 2025. “We are incredibly grateful for such a remarkable program that guides the nation toward a more meaningful and purposeful existence.”
Mcambi will be remembered for his doctrinal integrity, his pastoral wisdom, his strategic use of media and his vision for transformation, Gwala said.
“His life was a living sermon, and his voice continues to echo in the hearts of those he ministered to,” Gwala added. “He showed us that the gospel is not confined to buildings – it belongs to the airwaves, in homes, in hearts.”
