Presentation Title: Reverend William Duma — A Revivalist in Southern Africa
Good day, everyone. Today, I’m honored to present the life and impact of Reverend
William Duma (1907–1977) — a South African Baptist revivalist, preacher, and healer
whose life was marked by deep prayer, miracles, and revival across Southern Africa.
How Did He Come to Know Christ?
Duma was born in 1907 in KwaZulu-Natal. His mother Nomvula, who had left
traditional beliefs to follow Christ, taught him how to pray. Later, his uncle Vika, who
had also become a Christian, stood firm against ancestor worship, further influencing
Duma’s spiritual life.
Duma personally committed his life to Christ after years of illness, during which his
mother passed away. He prayed for healing and was miraculously healed. During prayer
in the mountains, he heard a clear voice:
“My son, I anoint you with the gift of healing. I charge you to proclaim the Gospel of
Jesus Christ and to heal body, soul, and spirit.”
That was his divine calling—and the beginning of his revival ministry.
What Did God Call Him To Do as a Revivalist?
Duma was called to revive the faith of believers and bring the Gospel to the suffering
through healing, intercession, and preaching. He carried the fire of revival across:
• South Africa
• Zimbabwe
• Namibia
• And Zambia
He was a revivalist in every sense—calling people to repentance, prayer, salvation,
and dependence on the Holy Spirit.
Miracles and Revelations in His Revival Ministry
Duma’s ministry was filled with supernatural miracles:
• Blind people received sight
• Cripples walked
• Tumors disappeared
• Demons were cast out
The first healing he witnessed was of a boy named Msomo, who had a needle stuck
inside his leg. Duma prayed and the needle physically shot out during prayer.
Duma often had revelations: God would show him people’s illnesses or even their sins
before they spoke. He did not perform signs to be seen—but to lead people to
repentance and faith in Jesus.
What Did He Do to Spread Revival?
• He led 21 days of fasting and prayer before beginning at Umgeni Road Baptist
Church, which had only 7 members.
• In 1944, revival came—crowds packed the church, people repented, and many
were baptized.
• He turned Wednesday night prayer meetings into revival services that drew
hundreds.
• He trained other ministers and evangelists to spread the revival further, including
Revs. Gumede, Nxumalo, Khumalo, Mpomulo, and others.
• He preached in rural villages, workplaces, and even hotels—reaching all
classes with the Gospel.
• He conducted special services for rickshaw pullers and working communities
in Durban.
Wherever he went, lives were changed. Churches were renewed. People left witchcraft
and traditional religion to follow Christ.
What Challenges Did He Face?
• Illness and grief in his youth
• Criticism and doubt from others who didn’t believe in healing
• Racial oppression under apartheid
• Spiritual warfare, as the devil opposed the work of revival
• Limited formal training, yet he led a growing, Spirit-filled church
Despite all this, he kept going—through prayer, fasting, and humility.
Did He Fulfill His Calling?
Yes—powerfully.
By the time he passed away in 1977, he had:
• Revived the Umgeni Road Church
• Spread revival across southern Africa
• Raised up a new generation of ministers
• Served as Moderator of the Black Baptist Convention
• Left behind a legacy of prayer, revival, and healing
He always said,
“Take Your Glory, Lord”—never claiming fame for himself.
Conclusion
Reverend William Duma was not just a preacher—he was a revivalist. Through prayer,
fasting, preaching, and the gifts of the Holy Spirit, he brought people back to God. His
story is a reminder that one obedient person can spark a fire that spreads across
nations.
Thank you.
