T.B. Joshua takes families of victims on shopping spree

oge okonkwo

January 4, 2015 7:20 PM

47-year-old schoolteacher, Wonder Ndlovu told reporters that families had been taken on a free shopping spree, as well as handed 50 000 Naira taken out to the best hotels.

Embattled founder of Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), T.B. Joshua was reported to have taken families of collapse victims on a shopping spree.

Prophet Joshua in December, had invited 44 South African relatives of the victims who had perished in the tragic September 12 guest house collapse which killed no fewer than 116 people.

The popular televangelist was reported to have also showered families with cash gifts.

Another group is expected to go to Nigeria this month.

47-year-old schoolteacher, Wonder Ndlovu whose husband 52-year-old Mbongeni Ndlovu, died in the collapse was among the first group to spend time with the pastor after the tragedy.

Ndlovu told reporters that families had a “nice time” in Nigeria and had been taken on a free shopping spree, as well as handed 50 000 Naira (about R3 200), and taken out to the best hotels.

They also visited the site where their loved ones died.

“He (Joshua) took us to a five-star posh hotel for dinner, fine food and drinks. The hotel is in Victoria Island,” said Ndlovu.

“After chilling we came back in his luxurious kombis. (There were) more surprises while (we were) preparing to sleep. The mamas who took us shopping knocked and presented us with 50 000 naira each and they said we (must not) use all our (own) shopping money… I just sang A huna ya tshwana le yena (there’s no one like him),” she said.

On Monday, the group visited the disaster site and Ndlovu said it was an emotional experience.

“We met with the man of God (Joshua) and he briefed us about the site visit.

“Wiseman Harry and other evangelists took us there, it was very emotional for me, but others were strong and comforting.

“I brought flowers from South Africa and laid them with my son.”

She added: “The prophet is full of surprises. After weeping, he took us to the city to see places. To our surprise we shopped till we dropped and the bill is on him.”

Joshua laid his hands on and prayed for the relatives, a feeling Ndlovu described as a “touch from heaven”.

“We were having the time of our lives, forgetting the pain of the past and looking forward to picking up the pieces and moving on. Yesterday has gone by, but tomorrow is forever.”

Ndlovu said of the disaster site: “It is ugly. Looking at the building foundations we are convinced it was an attack.”

oge okonkwo