- Celebrity blogger Phil Mphela hit out at Mpho Phalatse after she promoted Prophet Benny Hinn's South Africa visit on X
- Mphela accused Benny Hinn of fraud and exploiting vulnerable people, calling him a charlatan
- Social media users weighed in on the controversy, with opinions sharply divided over the American televangelist's visit
Source: Facebook
Celebrity blogger and entertainment journalist Phil Mphela fired shots at former City of Johannesburg Mayor Mpho Phalatse after she enthusiastically announced Prophet Benny Hinn's arrival in South Africa on 22 October 2026, urging the public not to miss what she called a "life-changing encounter."
Who is Benny Hinn
Benny Hinn is no stranger to controversy. The American-Israeli televangelist has faced scrutiny over his prosperity gospel teachings and fundraising practices for decades, with critics and former associates alike questioning how donations from his global following are used. Phalatse shared her excitement on X, writing:
"Prophet Benny Hinn has landed South Africa!! Whatever your plans this weekend, you cannot afford to miss this life-changing encounter we're about to experience, personally and as a nation. I'm believing God for personal upliftment through a real encounter with JESUS."
Mphela, who goes by the handle @PhilMphela on X, was having none of it and called out the American televangelist in no uncertain terms. The blogger accused Benny Hinn of targeting desperate and vulnerable people, writing:
“This man destroyed lives. Stole from vulnerable people to enrich himself. We have well-documented a life of fraud and prosperity gospel gifting. Even his own family members have exposed his evil ways to exploit the poor and desperate. Mpho, do not lead your own people to this man to be scammed.”
Mzansi weighs in on Benny Hinn controversy
The post quickly drew reactions from netizens, with opinions split between those backing Mphela's warning and those defending Phalatse's right to her faith.
@ThulaniCdlamini said:
"The main problem with South Africans is that they are biblically illiterate; if they knew the Bible, they wouldn't entertain these charlatans!"
@LethaboS2 simply tagged Phalatse with:
"Come here."
@nkulee123 weighed in with a mix of isiZulu and English, writing:
"Uyodla e blue tick! People love being led futhi le genge yabomzalwane."
Julius Malema spoke on foreigners in SA
EFF leader Julius Malema sat down with presenter Nandi Madida on The Motherhood Network's Election Series podcast on 16 October 2026.
Malema is the second political leader to feature in the series, following Action SA's Herman Mashaba, who appeared on 11 October 2026.
Source: Briefly News
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