Thousands celebrate TB Joshua’s birthday

By Batlile Phaladi

Thousands of believers from across the African continent gathered in Johannesburg on Friday evening to celebrate Nigerian televangelist TB Joshua’s birthday.

The Synagogue Church of All Nations said the event was organised to honour the self-proclaimed prophet, and the 84 South Africans who perished when a church building collapsed in Lagos in September last year.

Joshua booked the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand to accommodate over 2 000 of his followers in celebrating his 52nd birthday.

He however, did not attend the event on Friday night.

Gospel artists VaShawn Mitchell, Loyiso Bala and opera singer Kimmy Skota entertained guests, who were also treated to a buffet-style meal.

Relatives of the 84 victims who lost their lives in the infamous collapse of a guesthouse at Joshua’s church were among the organisers of the event, coupled with survivors of the tragic incident.

However, the family of victim Phumzile Mkhulisi said they did not regret turning down the invitation as for them it was too early to celebrate anything.

“These people are heartless, they didn’t think about us as human beings, as families as people who have lost, for them it’s like they are dancing on our sister’s grave,” said Mkhulisi’s brother, Lwandle.

He added: “It has not been over six months for us, we are still coming to terms with my sister’s passing but we are expected to celebrate. It is an insult to our culture.” The Citizen