Pastor embroiled in funds row

DISGRACED Power of the Cross church founder Pastor Zakhele Alex Ntiwane has been accused of misusing church funds and his position to enrich himself.

The allegations follow revelations that Ntiwane’s wife, Mbali Ntiwane, is a director of nine companies that include: A clothing company; Landscaping and gardening service; An events and catering service; and A tent manufacturing business. Church members have accused Ntiwane of creating an “inner circle” of shareholders in a number of companies while he remains a silent partner.

He has further been accused of asking for monetary pledges for a homeless centre but instead used the funds for his own benefit.

Ntiwane refused to comment on these and other allegations against him including that he led a double life and was having sexual relations with several women members of the church.

In the latest incident to rock the beleaguered pastor, a number of people have claimed Ntiwane used them to front companies for which they received little or no benefit.

A former director, Wandile Ntshabe, said he was given 15% shares “in most of the companies”.

“When I demanded money I was a bad person and he blackmailed me, writing letters to every client we had saying I stole R10 000 from him,” alleged Ntshabe. He said there was no accountability. “I made thousands of rands doing landscaping business but I took home R500 a month.”

Another director, who wanted to remain anonymous as he still has a vested interest in some of the companies, said the last time financial statements were presented to them was four years ago.

“Nobody knows how much the companies are making.”

But yesterday church leader Dr Festus Sawoni defended Ntiwane and described him as a “wounded soldier”.

“It won’t be fair for him to be put under scrutiny until the storm is over. The church contributed in helping them running those companies, he didn’t have any shares, they [directors] were running those companies as individuals,” said Sawoni.

But Ntshabe said Ntiwane kept the company bank cards.

“Why didn’t we have access to the money. They must not lie, he controlled these companies.”

Another church member said Ntiwane was building his empire on lies.

“Not a single person that is registered as a director has benefitted,” said the source.

In his biography, Ntiwane said the church had bought a plot in Parkside where church offices and a radio station were based.

However, a Saturday Dispatch investigation revealed the plot belongs to a church member Chuma Bodlo. Bodlo said he did not want to comment.

“This is a complicated matter, I rather not comment,” he said. — bonganif@dispatch.co.za