Tsvangirai’s ex now an apostle

By Farayi Machamire

Morgan Tsvangirai’s ex-lover Locadia Karimatsenga is now an apostle at South Africa-based Nation of Glory Ministries. The church is set to host its first crusade in Diepsloot on December 16, which will be presided over by Karimatsenga.

In an interview from her base in South Africa yesterday, Karimatsenga was bubbly about her new role in the church which she described as a “calling”.

She was quick to point out that she had not taken up ministering as a way to make money.

Her crusade, dubbed Glory Night, is set for Diepsloot Ext 2 Community Hall and library and will headline a cast of gospel musicians among them Mkhululi Bhebhe, Sibusiso Mthembu, Lebo Sekgobela and Ayanda Shange.

“It’s just that I have a name that went through a lot but if it was anyone else’s crusade, it would have been low key and that is how I would have wanted it,” she said.

“I want to thank God for those who have seen our fliers. May they be moved to look into their lives and know that only God can help them through it all,” she added.

In November 2011, Locadia wed Tsvangirai in a traditional ceremony where the then prime minister shelled out a hefty bride price in Mazowe. 

The pair would split a few days later.

In 2012, she dragged Tsvangirai to court demanding $15 000 monthly maintenance for the man she had been dating for nearly a year.

However, now based in South Africa, Locadia would rather focus on her faith than her past.

“I started doing home meetings where a few Christians come together but we ended up meeting in my house more. We had room. I just had one child, so we had a home cell group where we studied the word of God and seeking in guidance from God.

“And then from there, we decided we should make this bigger so that we can help many other people,” she told the Daily News on Sunday.

She added that beside church, she was involved in philanthropy in the densely populated township of South Africa which is inhabited mainly by black people.

Diepsloot is home to about   140 000 people, many of them living in shacks assembled from scrap metal, wood, plastic and cardboard.

Some families lack access to basic services such as running water, sewage and rubbish removal.

“Besides church I am also involved in distributing food to the poor and needy. This is the place I stay and I saw the need to assist.”

Karimatsenga said although preparations for her church’s crusade were at an advanced stage, that has not stopped her feeling nervous of her new journey but said she believed God will lead her through.

“I believe in God. I have seen a lot of miracles in my life. I am obviously scared as anyone else who is staring off but I believe God will lead us through,” she said.

“From the time I was born I have always been a follower of Jesus Christ someone. Those who know me will tell you I have always been very prayerful someone.

“I am not saying I am saint but I have had this passion for a very long time, it is only coming to fruition now because God’s time is the best time.” Daily News