A storm is brewing over Moja Love’s Fake Pastors — the South African Church Defenders are demanding accountability, an on-air apology, and a full review of the show’s editorial policy.
Formal Complaint to MultiChoice
The South African Church Defenders (SACD) have lodged a formal complaint with MultiChoice South Africa, accusing its affiliate channel Moja Love TV of broadcasting content that “systematically ridicules and criminalises” Christianity through the programme Fake Pastors, hosted by Sihle Sibisi.
In a detailed letter addressed to the Head of Content Compliance and Regulatory Affairs, SACD describes the programme as “defamatory, prejudicial, and ethically reprehensible,” alleging that it portrays legitimate church leaders as fraudulent and exploitative.
“An Ongoing Attack on the Christian Faith”
SACD contends that Fake Pastors has “crossed the line” between investigative journalism and religious persecution, claiming the show promotes mockery and bias against the Christian faith.
“The programme uses sensationalism and ridicule to create hostility toward the Church,” the letter states. “It risks misleading viewers into associating Christianity with corruption and deception.”
The group further argues that the host, Sihle Sibisi, has shown “repeated bias and lack of neutrality,” citing her self-description on social media as a “survivor of the late TB Joshua.” SACD says this compromises her ability to handle Christian subjects fairly.
Potential Harm to Churches and Congregants
According to SACD, the broadcast:
Encourages public hostility toward Christians and ministers;
Exacerbates fear and mistrust of pastors; and
Undermines responsible ministry by painting all leaders with the same brush.
They warn that such content could weaken the moral and social fabric of the Church and erode public confidence in Christian leadership.
Demands and Actions Sought
The South African Church Defenders are calling for:
Immediate suspension and review of Fake Pastors;
A written explanation from MultiChoice on how the programme was approved;
Disclosure of Moja Love’s editorial guidelines on religious content;
Formal engagement between MultiChoice, SACD, and church representatives; and
A public apology to the Christian community.
If these demands are not met, SACD says it will escalate the issue to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) and consider legal action.
“We Are Not Silent”
“This letter is not written in anger but in conviction,” the group stated. “We represent millions of South Africans who believe in Christ, honour the Church, and respect lawful authority. We oppose bias, mockery, and the criminalisation of faith.”
While SACD stresses it is not calling for a boycott “at this stage,” it has warned that persistent “anti-Christian propaganda” could trigger a nationwide cancellation campaign across Christian networks and congregations.
“We trust that MultiChoice will act swiftly, ethically, and responsibly,” said Rector Ngobeni, SACD’s media contact. “The Church will not be silent. We are ready to stand, to speak, and to defend our faith with truth, conviction, and boldness.”
Media Contact:
Rector Ngobeni
📧 info@sachurchdefenders.org 📞 +27 (76) 811 2631 🌐 www.sachurchdefenders.org