The Rhema Ministries (South Africa) appears to be a contradictory confluence of two of the country’s obsessions: Christianity and conspicuous consumption.
Vusi Mona, head of communications in the presidency and a former Rhema spokesperson, said: ”The church’s approach to prosperity is fascinating” in that it ”doesn’t condemn materialism”.
Mona said the church attracted successful people because ”they are made more comfortable with their wealth — Conservatives view materialism as anti-spiritual, whereas at Rhema there is a link between spirituality and prosperity. If you stand at the gate [of the church in Randburg] on a Sunday you will see all the top cars, from the latest Audis to top-of-the-range Range Rovers. People don’t feel alienated at Rhema,” he said.
Although Rhema rejects the description of it as a ”celebrity church”, it attracts a lot of stars. Here are some of our favourites.
Sport
Baby Jake Matlala: The flyweight boxing legend confirmed the attraction the church holds for sports stars, saying it honours those who excel. ”They come here on Sundays — the Bafana guys [and] Orlando Pirates.” Matlala has been at the church since 1994 and said he was drawn by its relevance and the community work it does. ”When you come back from church you feel fulfilled. God is there.”
Masibulele ”Hawk” Makepula: The world flyweight boxing champion graduated from the Rhema Training Centre in Johannesburg in 2007. He preached at the wedding of socialite Khanyisile Mbau and one-time millionaire Mandla Mthembu.
Hansie Cronjé: Pastor Ray McCauley was the late South African cricket captain’s ”spiritual adviser” and ”unofficial chaplain” to the national cricket team during Cronjé’s reign. Cronjé memorably advanced the ”Devil made me do it” defence after being implicated in a match-fixing scandal in 2000.
Entertainment
Basetsana Kumalo: The former Miss South Africa, Top Billing presenter and businesswoman is a regular at the church. She has said she first connected with God at a Rhema service when she was 15. ”I loved the music and the atmosphere at Rhema and that’s when God became real to me,” she told Soul magazine. Rhema is a regular haunt for Top Billing presenters, with Tumisho Masha and Salamina Mosese also making an appearance.
Kabelo Mabalane: A dedicated Rhema member, the TKZee kwaito superstar-turned-gospel singer’s statements of faith have become a regular media feature since he became a Christian, after battling drug addiction for years. He completed the church’s three-year ministerial training major programme in 2007 and is set on becoming a preacher.
Politics and business
Carl Niehaus: The disgraced former ANC spokesperson was once Rhema’s communications chief. He famously admitted to committing fraud to repay a ”debt” of R700 000 he claimed he owed the church. The church denied this, saying he was indebted over property for which the church had stood surety when he was its employee.
Mathole Motshekga: The ANC’s chief whip in the national legislature said he does not attend Rhema, but was ”very impressed” with McCauley and his profound understanding of the role of religion in society.
”Religion is not only meant to feed the spiritual needs of the people, but the material needs as well,” he said.
Motshekga is working closely with McCauley to establish the National Interfaith Leadership Council, which is ANC-aligned.
Martin Kuscus: The former MEC for finance in North West Province is a Rhema advisory committee member. He is the former chief executive of the South African Bureau of Standards and chairperson of the board of trustees for the Government Employment Pension Fund.
He proudly explained his involvement with Rhema, citing the church’s ”uncompromising and practical word-based teaching” and ”ploughing back substantial — resources to meet the needs of the poor”.
Lazarus Zim: The epitome of the megabucks BEE brigade, Zim is chairperson of Mvelaphanda and Northam Platinum.
He and his wife Emily are committed members of the church, according to Rhema, although Zim would not comment on his involvement.