Faith, hard work and a new chapter at 55

Pastor and businessman Galekhutle Cain Nthako at his church. His faith continues to guide his ministry, studies and community development work.

BUSINESSMAN AND PASTOR CAIN NTHAKO TURNS FURTHER EDUCATION INTO A STRONGER FOUNDATION FOR SERVING OTHERS

Platinum Weekly newspaper | Rustenburg – At 55, Galekhutle Cain Nthako has a message for anyone wondering whether the opportunity to learn has passed them by: never give up. The businessman and pastor completed his Certificate in Church Life through Mukhanyo Theological College in 2025 and graduated in 2026, adding a new milestone to a life shaped by faith, leadership and community development.

Cain enrolled at the college’s Rustenburg campus in 2025 to strengthen his leadership skills and deepen his understanding, teaching and preaching of the Bible and the gospel. Balancing his studies with business, ministry and community commitments brought challenges, particularly time management, assignments and extensive travelling. Yet he believes the effort has made him a better leader and teacher.

“This is an important milestone in my Christian life and in my knowledge of the Bible,” he said. “I have learnt that faith in God without deeds is dead.”

A childhood rooted in faith
Born on 25 June 1971 in Ulco, near Kimberley in the Northern Cape, Cain is the eldest of three children. His childhood included school, soccer, athletics and work as a shepherd, alongside regular church attendance. He also sang in the church choir.

His father, whom Cain describes as having served as a preacher for 29 years, and his mother, a church leader, helped establish the values that continue to guide him. “My father always advised me to respect my elders and to love others,” he said.

His father taught him that God is their heavenly Father, that no one is greater than God and that Jesus Christ is their Saviour. Cain says these teachings shaped his belief that a Christian way of life offers the best and safest path.

With gratitude, he shared that both his parents and all three of their children are still alive. The siblings went on to become a pastor, a technician and a mechanical engineer in the South African Air Force.

Learning to lead and serve
Cain later joined the Apostolic Christian Church, where he was baptised as an adult and appointed as a church leader. He became a pastor in Dobsonville, Soweto, in 2001, before moving to Kimberley and later Bloemfontein, where he says he currently serves in the Apostolic Church. His commitment to ministry eventually led him back to the classroom.

Cain speaks warmly of Mukhanyo’s teaching, educational support, love, respect and discipline. He values what he describes as its multinational, non-discriminatory environment, as well as its assessments and guidance in helping students select courses suited to their level.

Putting principles into practice
As managing director of GC Nthako Diamond Mining Project, Cain says his work focuses on developing rural communities through mining and agriculture. He sees a direct connection between his theological education and community development: applying principles of love, peace and honesty, rejecting corruption and greed, avoiding hatred and harm, and working together towards success.

Never too late to begin
Cain’s graduation is another step in a journey he intends to continue. To those who feel too old to study or pursue a new goal, his encouragement is grounded in the faith that has carried him since childhood.

“With God, everything is possible. Never give up,” he said. “Pray to God always and trust in Him to overcome. God’s timing is always right, and He is full of grace.”