Devoted Mag Issue 38 Special Edition

Issue 38 www.devinepublishers.com devotedmag.co.za THE SPOTLIGHT ON UNETHICAL JOURNALISM SPECIAL EDITION TABHOUET KWTASRIZAUBATNTHU REVEALED! THE UNFORTUNATE IMPACT WHERE DO YOU CELEBRATING OF ONE-SIDED REPORTING STAND ON ETHICS? RESTORED LIVES!

Are you tired of negative news? WE ARE TOO.… .. Devoted is available on various online platforms. If you want to read inspiring stories of real-life www.facebook.com/devinepublishers experiences that will uplift you, Devoted is an www.linkedin.com/gerda potgieter/devinepublishers online wellness magazine focusing on mind, body www www.devinepublishers.com www.devotedmag.co.za and soul. It is a Good News publication aimed to change the negative narrative. Devoted provides authentic and honest content. “Journalists cannot always guarantee truth but getting the facts right is the cardinal principle in journalism.” (The Ethical Journalism Network) [email protected]

www.devinepublishers.com devotedmag.co.za IN THIS ISSUE... CONTENTATTACKS ON CHRISTIANS AND CHRISTIANITY magazineINCLUDE MEDIA MISREPRESENTATION OF CHRISTIAN ORGANISATIONS AND NEWS Devoted ARTICLES THAT SPREAD DISINFORMATION ABOUT CHRISTIAN INDIVIDUALS, GROUPS OR INSTITUTIONS … OR EVEN CHRISTIANITY “The Lord detests lying lips, but delights in people who are AS A WHOLE. SECULAR MEDIA MANY TIMES trustworthy.” USE FRAMING TO ADVANCE AN AGENDA. THE (Proverbs 12:22) BOOK, A JOURNEY TO THE TRUTH - THE CASE OF KWASIZABANTU MISSION, EXPLORES SUCH A CASE. 02 10 Advertise with us & build LETTER FROM THE ETHICS relationships with your EDITOR An overview of A Journey to customers. Where do you stand on the Truth ethics? We have introduced special advertising The Case of rates to help you and your business during 04 KwaSizabantu Mission these trying times. NOW is NOT the time to FEATURE ARTICLE noseweekNEWS YOU’RE NOT SUPPOSED TO KNOWR48 stop marketing your business, rather be more strategic and use cost-effective The truth about (inc VAT) options. Contact us. KwaSizabantu revealed at last ISSUE 250 MARCH/APRIL 2021 Managing Editor Gerda Potgieter 06 JOBURG’S LATEST [email protected] CELEBRITY CROOK ACTUAL Language Editor You’ve met Brett Kebble, Mignionette de Bruin The unfortunate impact you’ve met Glenn Agliotti of one-sided investigating EditA Services reporting and Radovan Krejcir. Now meet Production Manager/Creative Director 08 Enola Meyer Dr Mahendren Munsamy ACTUAL [email protected] 12 The explosive state of What’s really behind the SANDF ammunition dump: Publisher pride Celebrations? Devine Publishers due for a blast that’s bigger than Beirut? Subscribe: https://www.devinepublishers.com/devoted-magazine . Kwasizabantu Mission: Follow us: www.facebook.com/groups/devinepublishers/ Rape-ridden cult or simply raped by the media? LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerda-potgieter-devine-pubishers/ Cape Town’s Facebook trolls: FLoiklleouwsuosnoFnacFeabceocooko: k: a new twist in the tale wwwwww.f.faacceebbooookk..ccoomm//ddeevvionteepdumbalisghaezrinse ETHICS CONTENT DISCLAIMER: All rights reserved. While every precaution has been taken to ensure accuracy of the information, the editors and Devoted magazine News24’s coverage cannot accept liability of whatsoever nature arising out of or in connection with the contents of the publication. The views expressed in this publication are in perspective not necessarily those of any of the Devoted team members. It remains the sole 14 responsibility of the writers. STORIES UNTOLD Celebrating restored lives Sinalo Tapile 15 NEWS KwaSizabantu Youth Conference lifted Jesus higher 16 NEWS It’s KHULA to clean up

editors note on ethics?WHERE DO YOU STAND MY MESSAGE FOR THIS ISSUE IS RELATIVELY COMPREHENSIVE BECAUSE I HAVE MUCH ON MY MIND. PLEASE BEAR WITH ME. I ALSO HAVE The first question that I asked, was “Where is the evidence in all these stories? Was anyone arrested yet for the terrible SOME EXCITING NEWS TO SHARE WITH OUR crimes the Mission was accused of? Surely, according to the LOYAL READERS! law, people remain innocent until proven guilty”? I could not Media messages can hurt our well-being, and find an example of any evidence in any of the stories which especially social media has changed us in were released into the world. Subsequently, I visited many ways. Often not for the good. the Mission to find the stories behind the As a seasoned communicator, I was expected to liaise regularly “THE HEART many stories — especially those the media with mainstream media, read media clippings daily, and IS DECEITFUL did not tell the public. I was shocked by evaluate them. I did that for ABOVE ALL THINGS what I found! over 30 years. Over time, I AND DESPERATELY In short, I found untested information realised that the media focused that was weaponised to damage the WICKED.” reputation of respected leaders in the JEREMIAH 17:9 community and the image of the more more on negative news, and it than 52-year-old Christian Mission. It was became progressively difficult to get clear as daylight that there was an agenda them interested in positive and uplifting behind the stories, and I started doing intensive news. research. The process took more than three years and ended Simultaneously, I realised that the narrative in a book which I am now releasing. in general among the public also became progressively negative. Since the pandemic, it WHAT IS WRONG WITH SOCIETY? became even more noticeable, and buzzwords I’ve learned over time not to believe all I read in newspapers such as ‘fake news’, ‘sensationalism’, ‘yellow or see on television (not that I watch television that much!) journalism’, ‘weaponised news’, etc., started A wise man once said that if you want to believe everything taking over conversations. And with good reason! you read, read the Bible! And that is exactly what I did to At the end of 2019, I decided to pursue a doctorate get an answer to my many questions about the people with a focus on unethical news reporting due who instigated and drove the smear and media campaigns to the high amount of unethical journalism I against the Mission. Matthew 21:8-9 for instance, talks picked up on. I did a lot of research on fake news about a very large crowd (followers of Jesus of Nazareth) that and was searching for a good case study. Then, spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches in September 2020, the mainstream media’s from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds coverage of the KwaSizabantu Mission was that went ahead of Him and those that followed shouted, brought to my attention, especially the high “Hosanna to the Son of David!” and “Blessed is he who comes amount of News24 reports. in the name of the Lord!” In direct contrast, Luke 23:18-25 describes a crowd (without WHERE IS THE EVIDENCE? a doubt including many of those from the first group) that The sensationalised stories, relentless onslaught shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!” on the Christian organisation, and lack of solid Wanting to release Jesus, Pilate appealed to them again, but evidence for all the serious allegations (which they kept shouting, “Crucify him! Crucify him!” interestingly grew in numbers over time) first Here are two crowds in the same city, only a few days apart. caught my attention. But because language For the third time, Pilate spoke to them: “Why? What crime always intrigued me, I became exponentially has this man committed? I have found in him no grounds for concerned about the language News24 used to the death penalty. Therefore, I will have him punished and tell the KwaSizabantu stories. then release him.” 2 DEVOTED Magazine

But with loud shouts, they insistently demanded (Adam) and a woman (Eve), the media wants us that He be crucified, and their shouts prevailed. to believe we can choose our gender. They tell us The crowd preferred to let an accused murderer that we don’t have to be a man or woman and that there are go instead of the Man who gave His entire life for numerous options on the gender spectrum one can choose the good of people! to identify with. There are even some ridiculous incidents I found many similarities between the deceitful where humans identify as animals and other things… crowd in the Bible and the disgruntled former And so, the same people who cheered in the first group once workers and annoyed family members of changed their minds and are now cheering in the second KwaSizabantu who drew the mainstream media group! into their web of lies and gave substance to their smear campaign. But Jeremiah 17:9 gives ARE YOU DOUBLE-MINDED? us insight into this double standard, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately James 4:7-8 provides the solution for the predicament wicked.” These passages stand out as an example of how evil humans can be. Christians find themselves in today due to their own actions: Over the years, media ethics have come under the spotlight, and recent reports from the Press “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will Council highlighted the issue and warned that the media should work harder at gaining the flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to trust they’ve lost. You can find the report on the website. you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, HOW IMPORTANT ARE ETHICS TO YOU? you double-minded.” But here’s the vital question: Where do you stand on ethics? Double-mindedness is a big problem and has brought the What stood out for me from the KwaSizabantu case is that so-called Christians drove the smear world to the state it is in currently. A double-minded person campaign — some of them are still practising preachers! Do they sit in church (or worse, preach is a person who is divided in his interests and loyalties. He to others) on a Sunday, sing His praises, and during the week, when they are with friends or is hesitant, uncertain, two-faced, and half-hearted. Such a at work, they crucify Him again with the way they live? Or the things they do with friends or look at person lives with divided loyalties and is easily swayed by on their cell phones? Do we follow the crowd that makes the loudest others not serving God. A double-minded person wants to noise? In today’s terms, we refer to it as peer pressure, meaning we conform to a group maintain a grip on good and evil. because we don’t want to be the odd one out. We do what the group does. If you are double-minded about the KwaSizabantu case, Do we believe the media stories more than we believe the Bible, which remains the most printed I urge you to read my book, A Journey to the Truth. It will book of all time? Do we question the Bible more than we question mainstream media, especially help you look at media reports differently and question the secular media? Do we believe the writings of sinful human beings dished up for us with an truthfulness of some of them. After reading it, you will know agenda, or do we believe the Word of God? There is a wise saying that if you do not stand for what to look out for. something, you will fall for anything, and I see that happening every day. Some Christians believe in News consumers deserve better than what they get the secular media more than they believe in the Bible, which is why the world is what it is. nowadays. They should be able to trust their news sources When the Bible tells us that men and women were made in God’s image, and He created a man and that they have done their homework, verified the facts, www.facebook.com/devinepublishers checked the information sources, reported objectively and fairly and provided both sides of the story. And most importantly, the news consumer deserves to decide for themselves and not be tricked into believing the media’s version of the truth. Devoted brings awareness of various issues that could impact our readers, but we love focusing on the good. We bring you well-researched stories, share positive news, and bring you inspiring stories of life-changing events that will uplift you. We share the stories of ordinary people... People with faults and a shameful history but who have overcome their past and now live restored lives and use their experiences to help others. We bring you stories of people If you, who once fell for everything but now stand firm in their or someone restored beliefs and live ethically. you know, We hope to change the negative narrative that has taken have a story to over our lives over time by continuing to share your uplifting tell, please share stories. Please keep sending them to us! it with us. We love celebrating successes and Until next time,. achievements. Follow our Gerda Facebook page and we will share your inspirational story. www.linkedin.com/gerda potgieter/devinepublishers DEVOTED Magazine 3 www www.devinepublishers.com www.devotedmag.co.za

Feature article THE TRUTH ABOUT KWASIZABANTU REVEALED AT LAST EDIE BRICKELL & NEW BOHEMIANS ONCE SANG WHERE ARE THE EVIDENCE? SOMETHING LIKE: ‘IF YOU DID NOT HEAR IT FROM THE When I first read the News24 stories, my initial HORSE’S MOUTH, YOU PROBABLY HEARD IT FROM question was: Where was the supporting A HORSE’S ASS!’ THIS IS SO TRUE! AND INSTEAD OF evidence? The allegations of money laundering JUST BELIEVING THE SECOND-HAND INFORMATION and abuse were serious, but nowhere in any of ABOUT THE KWASIZABANTU MISSION, REPORTED IN the News24 articles could I find solid evidence of NUMEROUS SENSATIONALISED STORIES PUBLISHED proof that they were true. Only the investigative BY NEWS24, I DECIDED IN LATE 2020 TO GO GET THE magazine, Noseweek, published two balanced STORY BEHIND THE STORY. SEVERAL FOLLOW-UP VISITS stories with documented proof of its findings. RESULTED IN MY BOOK, A JOURNEY TO THE TRUTH, It was Noseweek which revealed that the News24 THE CASE OF KWASIZABANTU. THE BOOK IS NOW coverage, published under the banner, EXODUS/ READY FOR PUBLISHING … THE TRUTH IS READY TO BE Uncovering a cult in KwaZulu-Natal, was based REVEALED. on malicious tales of disgruntled former workers and annoyed family members of Rev Stegen. Let me start this article by giving the uninformed This group planned a take-over of the Mission’s reader some background. In September 2020 lucrative businesses which fund its missionary News24’s editor-in-chief, Adriaan Basson, did and humanitarian work. Noseweek’s headline, something unheard of in ethical journalism. He “KwaSizabantu Mission: a rape-ridden cult or launched a personal attack on the 70-year-old ministry of simply raped by the media?” was loaded with Reverend Erlo Stegen online. He asked the public to boycott meaning and sparked my interest. It was the aQuellé, KwaSizabantu’s highly popular bottled water that is inspiration behind the book. produced by one of its enterprises, Ekhamanzi Springs, (Pty) Ltd. JOURNEY TO THE TRUTH Basson seemingly based his vendetta on Facebook postings I believe that the public must be told the truth and allegations made by former mission workers and family and not someone’s perception of the truth, and I members of the founder. Without doing due diligence, went on a journey. My journey started by following several retailers took aQuellé immediately off their shelves, the origin of the aQuellé water project. Nico with devastating consequences for the Mission and the Bosman, aQuellé’s Chief Operating Officer, told thousands of people that are dependent on the Mission for me incredible stories about the fountain of fresh work and humanitarian outreaches. spring water discovered many moons ago on the Soon after, an independent panel, which had no previous Mission’s grounds. The fountain was discovered knowledge or ties with KwaSizabantu, exonerated the when water was desperately needed for the Mission from the allegations, and some months later irrigation of the farming projects which Rev the water was back on the shelves. But Basson was not Stegen started years ago to sustain his missionary happy with the findings and News24’s relentless onslaught work. When the water was scientifically tested by continued. As a result, the CRL Rights Commission became professionals, they told him it was “too pure to be involved. Its investigation took more than two years, but they used for irrigation and should be bottled”. too, eventually concluded that KwaSizabantu was not a cult In those days, bottled water was a relatively new as Basson and his team alleged. concept. Still, Rev Stegen listened to them and News24 strangely and prematurely reported on the CRL’s started bottling the water, later expanding the findings and questioned them also. To date, News24 brand and adding truly South African flavours. published around 170 negative stories about KwaSizabantu, Today, it is one of the great South African brands and it remains to be seen if Basson and Team will be happy and has won several awards for its extended with the findings of the CRL Committee’s final report... brand, the ViV energy drink. or with the content of a new book that reveals the truth... 4 DEVOTED Magazine

The Mission does not ask for donations or believe • First, they actively sourced annoyed people with an axe to grind. They in collecting money after church services. They believe in being sustainable so they can continue asked people on social media who had negative stories about the Mission with the work the founder began selflessly over seventy years ago. The money generated from to contact them. They also headhunted people with grudges and promised bottled water is but one of their many sustainable projects. Ekhamanzi Springs is community-based them legal protection. and benefits the surrounding area directly in numerous ways. The aQuellé brand supports the • A female former worker who had stolen thousands of rands from the community by: Mission was paid for making an affidavit in which she falsely discredited • providing jobs in an area where jobs are hard to come by; the Mission. The author of the false affidavit is currently serving a lengthy • allowing workers to earn a decent salary so they can take sentence for armed robbery (her paymaster was the victim) and has since care of their families with dignity; confessed that she lied for the ‘sake of money’. • providing training to workers and empowering them; • Another former worker who is also currently serving a prison sentence • sponsoring numerous community projects; for sexually molesting a child, posted conspiracy theories to discredit the • financing outreach programmes over a broad spectrum; Mission and its missionaries on the Internet. • cleaning up neglected areas in collaboration with the • The conspirators used the lies by the two convicted criminals when community and organisations, and they reported KwaSizabantu to various authorities: the Human Rights • initiating food and water programmes for distressed Commission, South African Revenue Services (SARS) and the National families during trying times such as drought, flooding, Prosecuting Authority. When they showed no interest, the scope was unrest, etc. expanded to include false allegations of gross human rights atrocities, UNPRECEDENTED ONSLAUGHTS Great missionaries over decades are not seemingly to create more traction from the media. strangers to persecution, including media onslaughts. There is a saying that where God • At some point the infamous private investigator, Mike Bolhuis, was also is at work, the Devil and his followers are also there to try and destroy His work. In December paid a huge amount to investigate the concocted allegations, but not a 2019 Rapport (a Media24 newspaper like News24) published the first of hundreds of negative stories single link was found to connect the Mission with criminal and other acts. about KwaSizabantu. One of the ‘rape victims’ of the horrific story retracted her claims shortly after • Nevertheless, Bolhuis posted highly incriminating content on his that, claiming that she was ‘manipulated’ by the conspirators to lie and she regretted that. Facebook page and the media republished it almost verbatim and without In September 2020, South Africa’s biggest online news outlet, News24 (another Media24 outlet), any further research. released a scathing attack on aQuellé water. Basson personally called for the readers to stop • And so, the News24 EXODUS campaign was born and has been supporting the aQuellé brand because of its link to the Mission. The article was one of the painstakingly fed to grow since October 2020, despite alternative first of a series of an unprecedented number of articles about a single organisation, an hour- narratives! long documentary video and various podcasts. The boycott negatively affected the daily lives, A WEB OF LIES income and livelihoods of thousands of people What concerned me from the start is that the mainstream and caused tremendous damage to the Mission’s media allowed themselves to be dragged into a web of reputation as well as the aQuellé brand. lies. News24 was at the forefront of the onslaught with the I stumbled upon hard evidence of a plan unprecedented number of ill reports about the Mission concocted by a group of people conspiring to over an extended period. This set off numerous alarm bells, take over the lucrative enterprises of the Mission, especially as far as ethical reporting is concerned. I started seemingly to enrich themselves. This was in short investigating the issues and discovered hair-raising cruel how Team Conspiracy’s plan of action to destroy acts in the News24 coverage of KwaSizabantu, all contained KwaSizabantu unfolded: in my now-published book on the KwaSizabantu/News24 coverage. It would be interesting to see what the next few months reveal. Devoted is putting all its ‘gambling money’ on a favourable outcome for KwaSizabantu. For now, we celebrate knowing that aQuellé is back where it belongs... on the shelves of South African supermarkets. The KwaSizabantu Mission is continuing amidst it all with its founder’s life’s work – a celebrated 70 years of ministry! Despite the onslaughts on his work, the founder was recently honoured with yet another award for his lifetime work as a preacher, a missionary, a mentor and – above all – an educator of format! Apparently, there are still some people that can read between the lines... DEVOTED Magazine 5

Actual THE UNFORTUNATE IMPACT OF ONE-SIDED INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING DR ELFRIEDA FLEISCHMANN HOLDS TWO DOCTORAL DEGREES. ONE IS ABOUT THE LIFE’S WORK OF REV ERLO STEGEN, THE FOUNDER OF THE KWASIZABANTU MISSION. SHE RECENTLY ALSO PUBLISHED A BOOK ABOUT HIS LIFE’S WORK TO CELEBRATE HIS 70 YEARS IN MINISTRY. SHE HAS BEEN A RESIDENT AT THE MISSION FOR OVER 20 YEARS AND HAS EXTENSIVE KNOWLEDGE OF THE MISSION, THE FOUNDER, AS WELL AS THE MISSIONARY AND HUMANITARIAN WORK OF KWASIZABANTU. AS A LECTURER AT THE MISSION’S COLLEGE, SHE KNOWS THE MISSION INSIDE OUT, AND HER IN-DEPTH INVESTIGATIONS PUT HER IN A FORTUNATE POSITION TO WRITE AND SPEAK WITH AUTHORITY ABOUT THE MISSION. DEVOTED ASKED HER TO GIVE US HER VIEWPOINT ON THE ONSLAUGHTS OF THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA AGAINST THE MISSION. Sadly, people who appear to UNDER MEDIA ATTACK be great Christian leaders South Africa has experienced a painful case of this second type of tragedy since sometimes do horrible things. 2020. The KwaSizabantu Mission, a more than 52-year-old Christian organisation Many victims of abuse have been known for its outstanding work in the Zulu community, has come under attack. intimidated into silence, or their claims A multi-part exposé by News24 accused KwaSizabantu of money laundering, have been ignored because the alleged mistreatment of children and employees, and tolerating sexual and physical abuse. perpetrator was a famous person with a Opponents of the Mission have used this information quite aggressively, good reputation. This is a great tragedy. persuading many marketers to stop selling products from the Mission’s revenue- To avoid this problem, we should take generating enterprises. As a result, they have caused severe financial strain for a all accusations of abuse seriously and mission that has provided free spiritual guidance services to more than investigate them thoroughly. 18 000 victims of drug addiction in the last eight years. Many people employed at But there is an opposite risk too. Not KwaSizabantu have been furloughed. all allegations against public figures The Mission responded in an honourable, transparent way to these attacks. It or organisations are true. Portraying provided funding to create an independent panel to investigate the allegations. accusations as credible without The two-panel members were selected by local community members, not properly verifying them can cause KwaSizabantu, and had no prior connection to the Mission. They are highly enormous harm to the targets of the experienced in South African law; one previously worked for the Scorpions. accusations and the communities who The panel undertook a comprehensive investigation. It interviewed, among others, benefit from their work. 21 people associated with the Mission, including its founder, Rev Erlo Stegen. It also interviewed 15 outsiders, including several prominent critics. Unfortunately, News24 declined to encourage its sources to cooperate with the panel, nor did it offer assistance in any way. Dr Elfrieda Fleischmann, a Cedar International Academy NPC lecturer, holds two Doctorates. She received in 2021 a PhD in Theology with Missiology from the North-West University for her thesis, Erlo Hartwig Stegen: A Missiological Evaluation of his Life, Ministry and Teachings. 6 DEVOTED Magazine

The ministry of Rev Erlo Stegen Read the book, had profited thousands of rural Bond Servant of disadvantaged communities Christ, for over seventy years. He founded the KwaSizabantu Erlo Hartwig Stegen Mission in 1970. Since then, Rev Stegen and his helpers by EM Fleischmann have built a sustainable mission which supports missionary The book is available from the and humanitarian work. More KwaSizabantu Mission and you can visit than 18,000 young people, for instance, have benefitted the website, www.ksb.org for contact from the Mission’s CYPSA details. programme. WORK AMONG THE ZULUS KwaSizabantu has been working among the Zulu people since the Apartheid days. It is greatly appreciated to this day for the spiritual and social services it provides, without charge, to the people of KwaZulu-Natal. Unlike the typical pattern of cultic groups, KwaSizabantu generously aids its neighbours without asking for their money, time or any other commitment in return. Since the Mission’s founding, millions of people have passed through its gates, free of charge. So, it is understandable that some of them may have had negative experiences. But having lived on the grounds for over 20 years, I can state with full confidence that the people around me are living happy, fulfilled, independent lives. Their decisions are not controlled by anyone, and they are free to leave at any time. By God’s grace, KwaSizabantu will survive this siege and continue its long service history. The Mission will learn from this experience and bears no malice towards its critics. But I hope all of us will learn not to be swayed by sensational media coverage by news outlets that don’t seek to obtain all sides of a story before going public. >> on photo DR ELFRIEDA FLEISCHMANN DEVOTED Magazine 7

Actual ‘WPRHIADTE’S’RCEAELLLEYBBREHAITNIDOTNHSE? MY ONGOING STUDIES IN MEDIA ETHICS FOR OVER 30 YEARS HAVE CONVINCED ME THAT I CANNOT RELY ON MAINSTREAM MEDIA, ESPECIALLY SECULAR MEDIA, TO TRY AND FIND THE TRUTH ABOUT ANY TOPIC. SADLY, IT SEEMS THAT MOST PEOPLE UNCONDITIONALLY BELIEVE WHAT THEY READ IN THE MEDIA. THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND THAT THE MEDIA HAS DIFFERENT OPINIONS ON ISSUES DEPENDING ON WHO SPONSORS THE SPECIFIC ARTICLE. A GOOD EXAMPLE IS THE SPONSORED NEWS24 ARTICLE ABOUT PRIDE MONTH, SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT: WOOLWORTHS PRIDE CAMPAIGN EXPLAINED. 1 I USUALLY TAKE SPONSORED CONTENT WITH A PINCH OF SALT, BUT PERHAPS IT IS JUST ME. TO UNDERSTAND AND REPORT ON THE EXTRAORDINARY PUBLIC OUTCRY AGAINST ‘PRIDE MONTH I WENT BACK TO THE BIBLE IN SEARCH OF THE TRUTH LIKE I USUALLY DO WHEN I AM CONFRONTED WITH A DILEMMA. Genesis PRIDE MONTH UNDER QUESTION 1:27 (NIV) Woolworths has been widely criticised for supporting Pride Month with their is crystal clear displays of Pride-themed merchandise and advertisements. It is also not the and undoubtedly first time Woolworths has been criticised for excluding the Christian community free of misinterpretation: “So God created in their promotions. A few years back, they removed all Christian publications mankind in his image, in the image of from their shelves but put them back after a public outcry and after they lost God he created them; male and female he tremendously in monetary terms. created them.” There you have it! Woolworths explained its support of the marketing campaign as ‘acceptance and The media and some individuals want us equality’ and being in favour of ‘kindness and inclusivity’. These are beautiful to believe that there are many different words that I can identify with at first glance, but are they really inclusive, or is it a genders a person can identify with (some marketing trick? Let’s look at it rationally. even suggest 75!). Some argue that there is Statistics show that about 80% of South Africans profess to be Christians, about 15% a huge difference between sex and gender have no religious affiliation, and the remaining 5% are non-Christian religions like and that an individual can identify with Muslims. About issues such as homosexualism, gender dysphoria, and the related anything they want to identify with – and agenda, it seems Muslims and Christians are in sync. the media has provided them with a broad So, if the majority of the country’s people probably believe in the Biblical principle platform to share their opinions with the that mankind consists of only men and women (excluding the reality of birth world. They also believe that others should defects or mental illnesses of any kind), why are so many confused about these respect their right to identify with whatever issues being brought to the foreground by social media and other media platforms? they identify with, and they call it a basic Who benefits from promoting this? How inclusive is Woolworths really? human right. Some were also reported to Errol Naidoo from the Family Policy Institute thinks that Woolworths excludes the claim they identify with a cat, and some Christian community, which is by far the biggest community. In a recent video 2, he other bizarre identifications. I still struggle argues that Woolworths does nothing to make Christians as welcome as they do to figure out how such fantasies can be with minority groups. He asked South African Christians to boycott Woolworths. I believed by any rational human being! encourage you to watch his short video, which explains his motivation. 8 DEVOTED Magazine

It costs only R2 000 to profoundly impact give a little to help a lot one blind person’s life and help give that person the gift of sight and dignity. Your support can change and Devoted challenges its readers to join save a life! our team in sponsoring one individual for as little as R2,000 or to get 200 people to each give R100 and join this noble campaign. WHY PRIDE? Visit the website, The word ‘pride’ implies that which is wholesome and good, but in the Pride Month celebrations www.doctorsforlife.co.za, it is seemingly deep-down associated with the and find out more. opposite. As a mother of two and grandmother of four wonderful boys, I can wholeheartedly identify OMITTING INFORMATION IS QUESTIONABLE with the pains and concerns expressed by another Many times, mainstream media omits critical information that would grandmother, Grace Goodheart, about the issues allow the public to conclude differently from what they want. But concerned. Below is an excerpt from her eloquent omitting information means lying about something. Mainstream media letter to Mr Roy Bagattini, the CEO of Woolworths: reports on what they think is important, many times with a biased agenda. Are you aware that the group you are promoting in June are I recently learned about a judgment from the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France 4, about same-sex marriages that I knew behind many destructive and even violent practices? nothing about. Not many newspapers reported on it, although it is in the public’s interest. In case you also did not see it yet, I gladly share Please do your own research in a book called The Pink Agenda the information with you by The Point newspaper: 5 published by them. Unanimously, the World Court of Human Rights has established, verbatim, that there is no right to same-sex marriage”. They are a dangerous group who are against everything The 47 judges from the 47 countries of the Council of Europe, which are members of the Plenary Court of Strasbourg (the most important human rights court in the world), we value: family and marriage, innocence and protection of published a statement of great relevance which has been surprisingly silenced by the progress of information and its field of influence. In fact, all 47 justices unanimously children, freedom of speech, religious freedom and the right to endorsed the ruling that “there is no right to same-sex marriage. The sentence was based on a myriad of philosophical and anthropological considerations based on the reserve our choice of association… natural order, common sense, scientific reports, and, of course, positive law. In the latter case, in particular, the judgment was based on Article 12 of the European Convention They are behind the pornographic material being distributed on Human Rights. This also equates to treaty resolutions relating to human rights, in particular articles 17 of the P San José Act and 23 of the International Covenant on to schools under the Comprehensive Sex Education program, Civil and Political Rights. In these historic resolutions, the Court decided that the notion of family contemplates not only “the traditional concept of marriage, that is, the union as well as the disastrous drive to promote transgender of a man and a woman”, but also that they should not be imposed on governments an “obligation to open marriage to persons of the same sex”. With regard to the principle of mutilations of minor children, many of whom have decided to non-discrimination, the Court also added that there is no discrimination, since “states are free to reserve marriage only to heterosexual couples”. “regender” in heartbreaking regret for the irreversible damage HARMFUL IDEOLOGIES to their lives because they weren’t properly prepared and The government has no right to educate our children about issues such as sex. It is and should remain the privilege of parents to educate their informed. children on this issue. It is a right that should be defended. Mainstream media should also not be allowed to push their ideologies down our I did what this grandmother suggested: I did my throats! If you have doubts, I urge you to educate yourself properly on research. What I found was hair-raising. This group the matter and I have included some links below which will help you to is indeed violent and harasses anyone with a decide on which side of the ‘spectrum’ you are. different opinion than theirs. What about freedom of speech and sharing an alternative narrative? HARMFUL CONTENT: BE AWARE! There are numerous cases internationally, but also in our country. Members of this fast-growing https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ArOQF4kadHA&feature=youtu.be group do not respect the rights and protection of anyone who opposes them. https://m.youtube.com/watch/time_ You can and should research the issue to continue+128&v=rekZMxIYVcM&embeds_referring_ conclude. I would like to refer you to the book, The euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2F&feature=emb_logo Pink Agenda: Sexual Revolution in South Africa and the Ruin of the Family by Christine Mc Cafferty and Dr Peter Hammond. 3 Is it not time that consumers reconsider how they spend their hard-earned money and where the money they spend goes? Is it not time to consider what exactly we are supporting when we support ridiculous promotions pushed down our throats? For instance, if you are against abortion for example, how do you motivate supporting an organisation such as Planned Parenthood without researching its aims and objections? A better organisation to support would be Doctors for Life in this instance... 1 Setting the record straight: Woolworths Pride campaign explained, Sponsored article on News24, https://www.news24.com/news24/partnercontent/setting-the-record-straight- woolworths-pride-campaign-explained-20230608 2 Woolworths Adopts Anti-Faith/Family Stance!, Errol Naidoo, https://youtu.be/AQc1GUxh66k 3 The Pink Agenda: Updated, Scribd, https:///www.scribd.com/book/279821368/The-Pink-Agenda-Updated 4 The European Court of Human Rights unanimously confirms the absence of the right to same-sex marriage, Médias-Presse-Info, http://www.medias-presse.info/la-cour-europeenne- des-droits-de-lhomme-confirme-a-lunanimite-labsence-de-droit-au-mariage-homosexual/56049/ 5 Top EU court declares same-sex marriage as illegal, The Point, https://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/headlines/top-eu-court-declares-same-sex-marriage-as-illegal DEVOTED Magazine 9

Ethics AN OVERVIEW OF A JOURNEY TO THE TRUTH The Case of KwaSizabantu Mission “WANT TO STOP A CULT? THEN DON’T BUY AQUELLÉ BOTTLED WATER”, WAS ONE OF NEWS 24’S MANY BLARING HEADLINES IN SEPTEMBER 2020. IT WAS RELEASED ONLINE TO NEWS CONSUMERS AND ACCOMPANIED BY A REQUEST FROM NEWS24’S EDITOR- IN-CHIEF, ADRIAAN BASSON, TO BOYCOTT AQUELLÉ, THE ETHICAL FAILURES IN MEDIA BOTTLED WATER PRODUCED BY THE KWASIZABANTU The purpose of Potgieter’s book is to shine a MISSION, IN KWAZULU-NATAL. THE BOOK, A JOURNEY TO spotlight on the ethical failures of mainstream THE TRUTH – THE KWASIZABANTU CASE, EXPOSES WHY media. She focuses on the red flags in news NEWS CONSUMERS SHOULD NOT BELIEVE EVERYTHING reporting and the exploitation of journalistic THEY READ IN MAINSTREAM MEDIA... practices that should be avoided in ethical news reporting. News 24 is used as a case study because of the intensity and continuity UNPRECEDENTED MEDIA ONSLAUGHTS of the journalists’ and editors’ coverage of the For the next three years, the sensationalised stories KwaSizabantu story, which suggested an agenda, continued with headlines, “Mission of Fear”; “I escaped from as Noseweek eloquently suggested on its front the Mission of Hell!”; “Uncovering sexual crimes and missing cover (see picture). millions at a KZN cult”; “Details of abuse and negligence Potgieter is diligently seeking the truth. She finds emerge at KSB”; “KwaSizabantu Mission victim Marietjie authentic evidence showing that the affidavit of Bothma speaks out”, etc... The so-called star witness of the a convicted criminal, currently serving a prison News24 media campaign, Erika Bornman, followed up with sentence for armed robbery, formed the basis a book, “Mission of Malice: My Exodus from KwaSizabantu”, of a comprehensive smear campaign against which shamingly was awarded, despite the malice and KwaSizabantu. The main target was Lidia Dube, disinformation exposed by her family members still residing an elderly missionary who is regarded by Stegen at the Mission. family members as the next in line to take over The sensation and malice prompted the seasoned from the elderly founder, Rev Erlo Stegen. They communicator, Gerda Potgieter, to look deeper and would not have it! Removing her would have find out what was behind the media campaign against resulted in a takeover of KwaSizabantu’s lucrative KwaSizabantu. Her journey to the truth began in November businesses. The well-constructed plot, driven by of that year when News24 was leading the media attacks opportunistic family members in collaboration on KwaSizabantu. Therefore she focused her research with disgruntled former workers, was in full swing on News24’s story. When journalists of the reputable in 2019 when a promise of R1m was made for investigative magazine, Noseweek, exposed lies, untruths incriminating evidence against Dube. and anomalies in the News 24 stories Potgieter also looked at these findings, especially after News 24 via its SPARKING A MEDIA FRENZY editor-in-chief reacted angrily to the Noseweek headline Well-known private investigator, Mike Bolhuis was “KwaSizabantu: Rape-ridden cult or simply raped by the also paid to supply more incriminating evidence media?” against Dube. When his team did not find any, KwaSizabantu was first cleared in 2020 by an independent they simply made up a story which Bolhuis posted panel, and again in July 2023 by the CRL Rights Commission, on Facebook. When Bolhuis referred to money both consisting of reputable law experts (see next article laundering and other immoral and reprehensible about the findings). But News24 rejected the first report practices happening at the Mission, it sparked a as lightweight and said the second was done by a ‘lazy media attack of note on the Mission with News24 commission’ – even though it took the Commission almost at the forefront. three years to investigate the allegations and release a News24’s editor-in-chief’s call to ‘turn off the report! Over time, News24 also gagged anyone who dared to money taps to have a real impact on the cult from speak out in favour of KwaSizabantu, probably hoping that operating’ had devastating consequences for they would keep quiet. This unethical journalistic practice is the Mission, its workers and communities that also explained extensively in the book. depend on it for their livelihoods. 10 DEVOTED Magazine

WHAT OTHERS SAID ABOUT KWASIZABANTU The News24 stories about the KwaSizabantu Mission are riddled with unproven claims and falsities. The content of the stories has been exposed as a culmination of malicious attacks Other mainstream media outlets jumped on by disgruntled former workers and family members of the founder. I visited the mission the bandwagon and only repeated what News24 numerous times and met Rev Erlo whom I hold in high regard. I will forever be grateful to him published. Keyboard warriors, mostly family and friends of the conspirators and complainants for advising me to obey God when I was scared of entering politics. (Hon Dr Kenneth Meshoe, President of the African Christian Democratic Part.) ensured that fake news was quickly spread across Trial by media can be very destructive. The News24 exclusive documentary, EXODUS, has the globe. a small selection of disgruntled and embittered people who were part of the KwaSizabantu The falsities that Potgieter unearthed during her Mission. However, there are many hundreds who have had wonderful experiences and openly in-depth investigations contradict the statements testify of what a tremendous blessing KwaSizabantu has been for them and what a privilege that News24 relied upon for its so-called award- winning ‘exposé’. It shows a disturbing picture it was growing up in that protected environment. of South Africa’s biggest news platform and will (Dr Rev Peter Hammond, Frontline Fellowship.) make the reader think twice about so-called There has been constant opposition to the good work being done at KwaSizabantu. One exposés in future. need only consider the attack of vilification by News24 which devastated our hearts and The mission’s name was cleared but will the caused deep distress for many people. Yet we remember the words of Christ Himself, who damage done to its image and the reputation of said, ‘In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart, for I have overcome the world.’ We the Stegen legacy ever be restored? To be real: thank God Almighty that even that attack on KwaSizabantu is turning. The light of truth will How do you prove something that did not happen? How do you get the truth out to an audience that overcome the darkness. So let us take heart. believes all they read in newspapers and online? (Message of gratitude by Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Member of Parliament, News24 promote on its website. “We live in a world Traditional Prime Minister of the Zulu monarch and nation. Founder and President where facts and fiction get blurred. In times of Emeritus of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), 11 December 2022.) uncertainty, you need journalism you can trust. The more I have researched the KwaSizabantu allegations, however, the more I have become For fourteen days now, you can have access aware of how complex the situation is, with multiple cross-cutting cultural and social to a world of in-depth analyses, investigative circumstances. KwaSizabantu says they have helped more than 18 500 people find freedom journalism, top opinions and a range of features. R48from drug and alcohol addiction over the past 10 years, free of charge. This work has been S YOU’RE NJoOurTnaSlUisPmPsOtrSenEgDthTeOnsKdNemOoWcracy. “ (inc VATf)unded by their ... businesses (aQuellé). I feel their story should also be heard before we pass Is this lip service only? Read the book, A Journey judgement. to the Truth – The KwaSizabantu case and then YOU decide! (Dr Ian Siebörger, senior lecturer in Linguistics at Rhodes University, in the article, The language telling the KwaSizabantu story.) nonsoesewwJCOeEBLeEUBRReGeI’TSYLCAkRkTOEOSTKE 250 MNEAWRSCYOHU/’RAEPNROITLS2U0PP2O1SED TO KNOW R48 Last year (2020), in a series of reports, podcasts and a dramatized video broadcast online, News24 set out to expose the largest evangelical-fundamentalist Christian (inc VAT) mission in KwaZulu-Natal as a cult that thirty years ago allegedly indulged in or condoned various forms of domestic violence and sexual abuse ranging from rape to ISSUE 250 MARCH/APRIL 2021 yYoouuJ’Ov’veBemUmeRetGtGB’SlreenLtnAt KTAeEgbSliboTltet,i virginity tests for children... CEaLnEdBRRaIdToYvaCnRKOrOejKcir. ...In support of their damning view of the mission, News24 quoted affidavits they had obtained from some disaffected former residents of the mission. At the end of each episode listeners and readers were encouraged to insist that their supermarket stop You’ve met BreNttoKwebmblee,et stocking the Mission’s brand of bottled water. Any act of rape or sexual molestation is DryMoua’vhaenemdneRdtarGdeloenvnaMnnAuKgnrleisojcatitmr.i y shocking, but six in a row dramatically and graphically related – with emotional musical Now meet accompaniment – in the context of a Christian mission, must provoke still greater shock and outrage. Apart from our noting that these shocking events as dramatically DrTMhaeheenxdprleonsiMveunsstaamteyof recounted by News24 took place 30 years ago, they were so outrageous as to prompt SANDF ammunition dump: the question: was the mission somehow implicated in all of this? Noseweek reporter SANdDbFTudhiaeguemegfeomfxeoprrurlaontahsibtbiivalolaeannssstdtBtatuhettmeahirtopa’usf:tt’?s Susan Puren investigated with her usual thoroughness – and found that it wasn’t clear at all – and that there was another very credible side to the story that in all bigger than Beirut? fairness needed telling. Read the first instalment of her story in Nose 250 and judge for RapRKeawp-Krreawia-dsrrapiaiddszepideazedeanbdnbbabcacyuynuntltlttthtuhuoeoMerMmrsimsisemissidiemospidaniloyp?i:anly?: yourself... [You might also want to read News24 executive editor Adriaan Basson’s angry reply and my responses on page 3 (Nose 251) – Ed.] As for Bolhuis, it did not take Puren long to establish Bolhuis as a conman and he had not found any proof at all. As promised, CapCeapTaoe wTnaoewnnwe’nsw’sFtFtwawacciieessbtbtioionnootkhtkthertoterallotlsea:lllse: Puren has continued her investigation, now taking a closer look at the accusations of financial skulduggery, witchcraft and murder. The plot, ladies and gentlemen, thickens. (Martin Welz, Editor of Noseweek, 2021.) DEVOTED Magazine 11

Ethics NEWS24’S COVERAGE IN PERSPECTIVE NEWS24 DID IT AGAIN… MISINTERPRETING THE RECENT CRL RIGHTS COMMISSION REPORT TO KEEP ITS NEGATIVE NARRATIVE ABOUT THE KWASIZABANTU MISSION ALIVE IN THE MINDS OF ITS READERS. IN ITS RECENT COVERAGE OF THE KWASIZABANTU CASE, THE ONLINE NEWS OUTLET REPORTED UNDER ITS SO-CALLED BREAKING NEWS SECTION THAT KWASIZABANTU WAS ORDERED BY THE CRL ‘TO APOLOGISE FOR HURT CAUSED’. THIS IS A BLATANT LIE! THE ENTIRE COMPREHENSIVE AND RATHER PERSONAL ATTACK BY NEWS24 ON THE CHRISTIAN MISSION (WHICH STARTED IN 2020) WAS UNPRECEDENTED. IN NOSEWEEK, SUSAN PUREN, AN INDEPENDENT JOURNALIST, EXPOSED THAT NEWS24 HAD AN AGENDA WITH ITS ONSLAUGHT ON THE MISSION AND EXPLAINED THE PLANNED TAKE-OVER OF THE MISSION AND ITS LUCRATIVE BUSINESSES. DEVOTED ASKED HER TO PUT THE CRL RIGHTS COMMISSION’S FINDINGS INTO PERSPECTIVE. Thursday, 13 July, was D-Day for the KwaSizabantu “KwaSizabantu ordered to apologise for ‘hurt caused’”. Mission. The CRL Rights Commission finally It was a ridiculous headline, to say the least, because a commission of released its report into alleged gross human inquiry is not a court of law. It serves the purpose of establishing facts; rights abuses and other serious irregularities at its findings are non-binding. This was not an “order” nor a finding but the Mission, admittedly after threats from the the second-last of 11 recommendations in the report, followed by an complainants but, nonetheless. offer to facilitate a reconciliation process between the complainants The CRL chairman, Professor Luka Mosoma, and the Mission to establish peace and unity. flanked by his deputy, Doctor Sylvia Pheto, and While this misinterpretation of the report by News24 was probably commissioners, Sheila Mbele-Khama, advocate deliberate and their swan song about KwaSizabantu, the Commission André Botha and Sicelo Dlamini, faced a sea of could also be blamed. Besides being riddled with grammatical cameras and journalists, some from as far as errors like missing indefinite articles (a, an), the report is vague and KwaZulu-Natal where the Mission is located. convoluted. It also dabbles in topics which are clearly not part of the Except for the team from Radio Khwezi, Gerda Commission’s mandate. The Commissioner admitted that! from Devoted, and myself from Noseweek, most The report’s 11 findings are based on the complaints it received. Two other journalists present had been disciples of the findings outright cleared KwaSizabantu from the allegations of the News24 agenda and probably attended made. The CRL found the Mission’s teachings are within the scope of the news conference to put a final nail in freedom of religion, and the Mission is registered as a public benefit KwaSizabantu’s coffin. organisation. To everyone’s surprise, the Mission’s renowned bottled water, aQuellé, was also featured at the The other nine findings include referrals to the appropriate government news conference, probably just in case someone departments and institutions that can deal with these complaints, choked on his words. It was almost as if the such as the police, the Department of Labour, and the Commission for familiar blue label wanted to triumphantly say to Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA). those present that KwaSizabantu and its water ENTERTAINING FALSE ACCUSATIONS? brand survived the onslaught. Surely this must have been obvious when the paperwork was done three years ago? Why then invite those with such complaints to give EXONERATED BY THE CRL evidence on a public platform, say whatever they wanted to say about KwaSizabantu was exonerated by the KwaSizabantu, without any cross-questioning done? Not only was the Commission. But while it unreservedly found Mission perhaps falsely accused, but the complainants possibly had to that the Mission’s doctrines were within the relive traumatic experiences only to hear that the CRL was never the scope of freedom of religion as prescribed in the right place to have asked for help. Constitution of South Africa, News24 again missed When asked why the Commission entertained such evidence that falls the boat. During question time, while copies of the outside of its mandate, Commissioner André Botha said they did not report were not yet distributed, News24 posted a know in advance what was going to be said by the complainants. Sorry, story under their Breaking News banner headlined that answer is not good enough when you are using taxpayers’ money. 12 DEVOTED Magazine

I recommend that you read all the findings about the News24 coverage of the KwSizabantu case in Noseweek (Nose 250 and Nose 251) for a better perspective before you believe anything that the mainstream media dished up for you about KwaSizabantu. Nose 250 is available on https://digital.lib.sun.ac.za/bitsream/hanle/10019.2/16942/ noseweek250.pdf?sequence=18&isAllowed=z and Nose 251 on: https://noseweek.co.za/wp/?issue=issue-251- september-2021 Another finding states that for complainants to corruption, and money laundering at the Mission, stating that have come forward and relate “their past painful most of the complainants who came forward made allegations experiences due to practices at the mission even of sexual harassment, rape, sodomisation, and inappropriate decades after it took place indicates that they touching of children by adults. Below is a quote from the report still carry the pain of the past”. But the finding regarding these allegations: ends with the words “despite some allegations “Such rapes, according to some of the complainants, would not being proved”. If not proven, it remains an take place at the Mission and in the sugarcanes. There is one allegation, is not a fact, and could even be a lie. perpetrator according to the complainants who has allegedly Why mention it as a finding if it is not one? raped several ladies in the Mission, including the daughter of one of the complainants who came forward to the Commission. This THE CRL MANDATE complainant stated that these criminal acts were reported to the The CRL Rights Commission is one of the Chapter head of the Mission, but he did nothing about them or dismiss Nine Institutions founded in Section 181 of the them…” Constitution. Its mandate entails the following: Taking three years to compile a report must have been very • promote respect for, and further the protection difficult, and it shows — like the sugarcane reference. There are of the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic no sugarcane fields at KwaSizabantu, and there never have been! communities; While this so-called rape allegedly happened in a sugarcane • promote and develop peace, friendship, field, this was about 70 km from KwaSizabantu on the farm of humanity, tolerance and national unity among the complainant’s grandfather, as she stated in an affidavit to and within cultural, religious and linguistic police more than 35 years after the incident. The complainant also communities, based on equality, non- admitted that she was in a relationship with the so-called rapist, discrimination and free association; was not staying at KwaSizabantu, and afterwards continued with • foster mutual respect among cultural, religious the relationship and continued having sex with him... However, and linguistic communities; these discrepancies are never mentioned in the report; its finding • promote the right of communities to develop is that rape should be investigated by the police. their historically diminished heritage; and Another allegation mentioned in the report is that another • recommend the establishment or recognition of perpetrator admitted to rape after a confrontation but blamed the community councils. victim “as women in the Mission were blamed for everything”. It is further alleged that the perpetrator was arrested and is currently DELUSIONS OR FANTASY? serving his sentence in jail. So, somebody reported him and he The opening paragraph of the report states that was arrested, contrary to the allegations! this is the report of the Commission for the Well, the three years must have taken its toll on the Promotion and Protection of Cultural, Religious commissioners. This same victim told News24 that she was five and Linguistic Communities. The shocking truth is years old when she was sodomised at the Mission. The perpetrator that KwaSizabantu never received any protection was surprised when confronted about 10 years after the incident from the CRL Commission. Where in the report when the victim finally gathered the courage to tell her parents. is the outcry about the unfair and malicious He could not believe that she still remembered him. Her father media reporting about the Mission? Where does had a different story when questioned by Noseweek. He said he the Commission acknowledge its shortcomings was told the perpetrator had died when he reported it, not to the and that it is not in a position to cross-question leader but to a family member around 30 years after it happened. complainants? Or does the Commission just According to the report, this dead perpetrator is currently in jail. provide a stage for people to vent their personal The 60-page report has one page with the Commission’s findings experiences, whether true or false or even and another with its recommendations. The quoted case law delusions or flights of fancy? takes up to 20 pages. No wonder the journalists concocted their The report refers to criminal allegations like rape, own findings. DEVOTED Magazine 13

STORIES UNTOLD series Celebrating restored lives! SINALO TAPILE “Little did I know how drug addiction would discovered that refusing taint my soul and that I would become help when offered to you an entirely different person because of can send your life into a my drug use. While addicted to drugs, downward spiral or onto I witnessed everything from rape the road to destruction. to murder. I became a hardened This can be hard to criminal and would rob and stab overcome. His drug people and commit other serious addiction tainted his criminal offences. I would even soul to the extent that recruit young people from taverns to he could no longer see the join in my criminal activities, and they proverbial light at the end of would become an income source to fund the tunnel. Only after he made my drug habit. a conscious decision to allow Jesus “At first, I felt nothing when I would commit into his heart and good people into his life crimes and thought that hurting other people was could he turn his life around. This is his story: simply a means to an end to get what I wanted. But slowly, “I was born in East London and moved to Duncan as time passed, my conscience began to trouble me. I knew I Village, just outside East London, at an early age. needed help but did not know how or where to get it. Even in I am the firstborn of two sons, and growing up, we my darkest times, I would pray to God to help me because I always had a roof over our heads and never went knew I was in a deep pit. without food. There was a lot of love in our home, “One day, God answered my prayers when a CYPSA outreach and my mother would travel out of town to find team visited my area. My mother went to one of their work, so my aunt was responsible for raising us. meetings and heard young men from CYPSA sharing how “Growing up in an informal settlement, there the Lord had set them free from drug addiction. She shared is a lot that is happening. We were first-hand with those at the meeting that she had a son who had a drug witnesses to many things, including stabbings, addiction problem, and they told her that I could travel back shootings, and death. These things all became the to their premises in KwaZulu-Natal to attend the programme norm as they happened around us daily. During the next day. my school years, I observed my uncle and other “But I refused this offer of help and continued using drugs older people around me smoking and drinking for some time. I finally asked my mother if she could please alcohol. Soon I also picked up the habit of smoking arrange for me to travel to CYPSA to sign in and get help. After as I picked up the cigarette butts they left on the arriving at the gate and signing in, my life was truly changed ground. Then I began smoking dagga, and not long forever. I met with my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and He after that, I progressed to smoking crystal meth. I rescued me from the deep pit I had been living in. The Lord became heavily addicted to this drug. That’s when continues to work miracles in my life, and I am now working my life became a living hell and took a downward full-time as an assistant at a supermarket. The Lord Jesus spiral. Christ saved my life!” 032 481 5890 If you are struggling 14 DEVOTED Magazine to get free from substance abuse or other addictions, you can contact CYPSA on 032 481 5890 or scan QR Code to get help. *Devoted reserves the right to only publish submitted stories that meet our requirements or needs. Read more such inspiring stories on the website: www.devotedmag.co.za – download the CYPSA booklet.

KWASIZABANTU YOUTH CONFERENCE LET’S LIFT JESUS HIGHER The theme of the recent bi-annual youth conference at the KwaSizabantu Mission was Let’s Lift Jesus Higher (Masimphakamise uJesus)*. All services were broadcast on Radio Khwezi and live- streamed on the official website of the Mission in Englsih/isiZulu, German, French, Sesotho and Portuguese. For seven days there were three services per day, with an exception on Sunday, 2 June. KwaSizabantu started hosting youth conferences as far back as 1974 and since then has hosted them bi-annually and twice a year. Over the years thousands of young people attended the week- long conference and many shared testimonies of life-changing events. KwaSizabantu’s youth conferences are designed to help build faith in Jesus Christ and strengthen testimonies. It equips young people in many different ways. The recent conference has once again been a source of many blessings and provided hope for the thousands of young people who attended it. KwaSizabantu Mission is a non-denominated Christian mission station and the founder, Rev Erlo Stegen, has always invited Christian leaders and preachers from across the globe to preach the gospel to the youngsters. The Mission reaches out to people of all racial and cultural groups, bringing spiritual guidance, education support and counselling. Since the mission started over fifty-two years ago, it has opened its doors widely to the youth, to give them hope, uplift them and help them with challenges. In the past and during this conference, many of the young people who attended decided to change their lives around for the better and accept the Lord Jesus as their saviour. Read more about the KwaSizabantu Youth Conference and the testimonies shared with the attendees on the website: www.ksb.org.za *At a Ministers’ Conference held earlier this year at KwaSizabantu, Christian leaders expressed the importance to ‘lift Jesus higher’. Subsequently, the theme was 15 incorporated into Ascension Day celebrations and also this youth conference. A powerful message which was conveyed at the conference was a reminder to all Christian leaders that Jesus was on earth to make disciples of all nations and that all powers have been given to Him. DEVOTED Magazine

IT’S KHULA TO CLEAN UP THE PICTURES CELEBRATE SOME OF THE CLEAN-UPS! No distance is too far for the KHULA Clean-Up team from aQuellé to assist with cleaning up the country. The team recently joined the Matjhabeng Municipality to clean up the Saaiplaas area in the Free State. Almost 200 volunteers from the community took to the streets on 10 June, joined by members of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and local organisations and companies including DW Attorneys, Remax, The Daily Bakery and Diepfontein Christian School. So far, aQuellé Khula has joined more than 52 community clean-ups over the past two years throughout South Africa. This coincides with the number of years in which the KwaSizabantu Mission (the team’s home) is active in the community. Local schools, municipalities and environmental agencies usually volunteer to join in, with over 6500 volunteers who have participated to date. The brand is passionate about the project and the positive impact it is making in communities. “We are excited to be part of a clean-up campaign that encourages people to look after their environment. It’s been great to see large teams of enthusiastic volunteers from the local communities joining us to clean up their areas and promote recycling. All aQuelle bottles are made from PET, which is 100% recyclable, and we can beat plastic pollution together. We have been on a wonderful journey and are thankful to everyone who has assisted,” says Gladson Songelwa of aQuellé. “It is a privilege to work with local communities in creating a happier, healthier space.” 16 DEVOTED Magazine Khula means ‘grow’ in Zulu and this exciting range of sparkling soft drinks by aQuellé is growing in popularity with South Africans. Available in 4 delicious flavours in 500 ml and 1.5 L, every Khula soft drink delivers a burst of flavour! aQuellé also produces the award-winning energy drink, ViV. Visit their website: www.aquelle.co.za

VICTORY FOR DOCTORS FOR LIFE INTERNATIONAL AS PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO DECRIMINALISE PROSTITUTION IS WITHDRAWN DOCTORS FOR LIFE INTERNATIONAL (DFL) IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE PROPOSED CRIMINAL LAW (SEXUAL OFFENCES AND RELATED MATTERS) DRAFT AMENDMENT BILL, WHICH AIMED TO DECRIMINALISE PROSTITUTION. DFL’S DILIGENT EFFORTS AND WELL-RECEIVED WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS HAVE PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN THIS DECISION BY THE DEPUTY MINISTER OF JUSTICE. • DFL’s comprehensive and well-reasoned submissions DEVOTED Magazine 17 presented a compelling argument against the decriminalisation of prostitution. It included testimonies from individuals with experience in the industry, both as ex- prostitutes and pimps. It provided valuable insights into the realities and exploitation within the trade. • DFL incorporated expert evidence from esteemed medical professionals and academics across various disciplines. Their contributions provided a thorough analysis and presented the latest research findings on the inherent harm associated with the prostitution industry. By highlighting the physical, emotional, and psychological consequences experienced by prostitutes and clients, DFL effectively emphasised the importance of maintaining legislation that criminalises prostitution to prevent exploitation and protect individuals. • DFL’s submissions underscored the broader societal impact of decriminalising prostitution. By referencing comprehensive studies, the organisation highlighted the adverse outcomes that persist regardless of whether prostitution is decriminalised, criminalised, or legalised – Including increased human trafficking, the spread of sexually transmitted infections, and the erosion of social norms. These considerations highlighted the necessity of protecting society as a whole from the effects of such legislation. This victory demonstrates DFL’s continued commitment to helping individuals exit the sex trade and uphold the principles of human dignity. By successfully advocating against the proposed amendment bill, and running an exit program, DFL ensures the continued protection of vulnerable individuals and safeguards society from adverse consequences associated with the decriminalisation of prostitution. Visit the website,www.doctorsforlife.co.za, and find out more.

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