Popular gospel artist who is also a pastor, Thina Zungu, is accused of being an advocate for sangomas. And this is in contrast to who he is and his work as a pastor and gospel star.
This is according to a YouTuber, Ricky G Leamus, from Church Reality Check podcast. Leamus was reviewing Zungu’s reality show, ThinaSingoZungu.
Accused of using show to lure sangomas
The first three episodes focused on Zungu trying to convince Pastor Mxolisi “Striker” Shange to be friends with a sangoma, Bhongolethu “Dr Khehlelezi” Mzozo. In the first two episodes tensions were running high as Mzozo clashed with Shange.
Shange made it clear that they cannot be friends because they work for different “Kingdoms”. As such, he will not compromise his religion.
“The show was supposed to focus on Zungu as a Christian and a gospel musician. But now it is focussed on Ukuthwala. This is going to be disastrous for Thina,” said Leamus.
Terrible example of a Christian
“Thina is a terrible example of a Christian. Not because he is friends with Khehlelezi. But because he wants to convince everyone to be friends with Khehlelezi. This is not to say he mustn’t talk to him. But he must draw the line. What he’s trying to do with this TV show is very dangerous.
“He is compromised and he doesn’t distinguish the things that can stain him. When dinner was served, Khehlelezi reversed the prayer. Even Thina asked him if it was the same prayer. Of course it wasn’t the same prayer, but it was an insult to God. He was intentional about it and he did it on a Christian show,” Leamus continued.
He said that Zungu is already acting like Mzozo.
Polygamy
“Later on, Thina introduced the subject of polygamy and he justified it by saying he can, he is capable. That says a lot about him, as a Christian he should not even toy with the idea because it’s not Biblical. Even if it was a joke, it was in bad taste. It shows he’s starting to think like Khehlelezi,” said Leamus.
He then addressed Thina directly and said: “Thina you’ve no business being here, your character has been tainted by these things. If you say you are called, we must see it but right now we don’t see it. You’ve become an advocate for Ubungoma. When Khehlelazi is around, his character dominates yours. You must just start from scratch and don’t even try to explain it,” said Leamus.
Association of Christian Religious Practitioners (ACRP) CEO, Pastor Gerhard Botha, agreed with Leamus.
“We strongly condemn anything that adds to Christ, be it money or traditional healing. And we are rooted in the Biblical truth and our Saviour. His [Thina] actions are not on. As Christians, this is not what we stand for, this is sad and disturbing.”
He is not of God as he claims
Pastor, Songezo Fulani said: “Thina needs to be called out. This show exposed who he really is, that he is not of God as he claims. The fact that he cannot dissociate himself with Khehlelezi is enough proof. It shows that their friendship is deeper than what we see,” said Fulani.
A traditional healer from Traditional Healers Organisation (THO), Brenda Selibi also agreed.
“Zungu can be friends with anyone, including traditional healers. However, friendships are very spiritual, when two people spend time together, their spirits connect. Then it becomes a question of, ‘who’s spirit is dominant when they are together? And how do they influence each other?” said Selibi.
Thina unbothered
Thina, however, has defended himself.
“We live in a free country, it’s their view. The unfortunate part is that we’re still on episode 2 but they are already judgemental. The show is targeting people who live a real life.”
