Early Childhood
Prophet Promise was born on 25 December at Mbabane Government Hospital in the Kingdom of Eswatini. He comes from a large and complex family as the third-born child of his late father, Mr. Derrick V. Shongwe, who had nine children. From his mother, Nombulelo G. Simelane, he is the firstborn and only son, with one younger sister named Sebenzile.
As a young and dynamic global leader, Prophet Promise holds the office of a prophet and embodies many gifts. From an early age, he has demonstrated uncommon faith, creativity, and resilience, alongside a deep prophetic calling and strong entrepreneurial skills that distinguish him.
At a tender age, he already could feel that his life was not going to be ordinary.
Entrepreneurial Journey
Today, Prophet Promise is a thriving entrepreneur who owns seven Mobile Money Spaza outlets, stretching from Mbabane to Mhlambanyatsi, strategically located along main roads to serve travellers and residents.
Prophet Promise’s entrepreneurial journey began during his school years with a vision that exceeded his age. While studying at Mbabane Central High School, he started selling cream doughnuts from Form 2 to Form 4, using the income to support himself and assist his mother financially. Demonstrating early initiative, he also raised 100 chicks into mature chickens, which attracted the school’s interest, leading them to buy his poultry for their lunch meals.
This venture marked a significant milestone when he received his first cheque from the school, despite having no formal agriculture education. His achievements were driven by faith, creativity, and determination. Although challenges arose due to resource constraints and exam demands, this experience built a strong foundation for his future role as a visionary entrepreneur and problem solver.
Hearing God for the First Time
One of Prophet Promise’s most vivid childhood memories is the first time he heard the audible voice of God. While fetching firewood in the Sappi Forest across the Usuthu River, he heard a clear, divine instruction within him: “Anything your stepmother asks you to do, do it—for it is exactly what I want you to do in that moment.” This moment marked a profound turning point, leading him to serve his stepmother with a willing heart despite their complex family dynamics.
Embracing this calling, he found joy in earning rare words of appreciation from her and took on household tasks with dedication, even developing clever ways to ease the hard labor, such as storing firewood in mountain caves to save time. Reflecting on these experiences, Prophet Promise credits them with instilling a mindset of “finding a way instead of complaining,” a principle he continues to live by and teach today.
From strength to strength, the Prophet has been advancing in ministry as used by God to bring deliverance, comfort and hope. Since founding the Upper Room of Prayer during his school days, many lives have been transformed through his ministry in obedience to God's divine direction.