Malvern Bishop is SA Man of the Year nominee

Bishop Eric Phathumuzi Mkhize from Malvern describes himself as a father, husband and a community developer.

The Malvern community acknowledged his work in the area by nominating the bishop for the South African Man of the Year award.

Born in Pietermaritzburg, Bishop Mkhize arrived in Johannesburg in 1999.

“Through God’s direction, I came to Joburg. I had a calling from God at an early age but I drifted and studied electrical engineering. Later, God redirected me to his purpose and I went back to studying the Bible and I obtained my Master’s Degree in theology,” he said.

The bishop has been supportive of the Malvern community and lives by his name, Phathumuzi, which means holding a home together.

He aims to hold the Malvern community members together.

Bishop Mkhize is a person who loves serving the community.

His love of serving reflects in the work he has done in the community of Malvern.

Together with his wife, they have become “parents” to a number of young people who came to Johannesburg without parents.

The couple has opened their home to these children.

“Some of the young people have not even completed grade 12. We encourage and send them back to school and pay for their studies.

“Most children have since matriculated and are in possession of a matric certificate. These children are now hopeful for a brighter future,” said Bishop Mkhize.

As the bishop of the Faith Centre, he has not only looked after the spiritual needs of Malvern residents, he also looks after the community’s other interests.

Bishop Mkhize provides youth skills development programmes, outreach programmes, HIV/Aids programmes and career development programmes.

“Through these programmes we are able to lead people to a better life. The community of Malvern has a number of social problems that require one to sit down and listen to people and not just offer a temporally solution but a lifelong solution that can sustain them,” said Bishop Mkhize.

Education is close to his heart and he believes if everyone can be afforded the opportunity to learn, life could be better.

“I emphasise education in all of my teachings. As a result, many of the church members are studying, and we also hold Saturday classes for all the grades at the church,” said Bishop Mkhize.

“I love helping the community, as long as it’s a positive gathering that will uplift them and benefit the community,” said Bishop Mkhize.

“I thank God for the gift he has given me. I never want rewards for what I do for the community. But I’m honoured and humbled by the nomination. It shows that my work and efforts are acknowledged by the community,” said Bishop Mkhize.

To vote for Bishop Mkhize, sms COMGP-BISHOP MKHIZE to 33811.