Johannesburg Woman Speaks Out on Alleged Abuse in 'Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua' Documentary

A Johannesburg-based woman, Sihle Sibisi, has come forward as a key figure in a BBC documentary that claims to uncover years of sexual abuse and torture by the late Nigerian preacher TB Joshua. The documentary, titled 'Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua', has reignited conversations about the alleged dark side of the popular evangelist, whose positive following has been marred by these grave allegations.

In the emotionally charged documentary, which aired on Monday, Sibisi, along with numerous other women, accuse TB Joshua of preying on them within the confines of his religious institution, the Synagogue Church of All Nations in Nigeria. These women claim to have endured rape and torture over a period spanning more than 15 years. The allegations suggest a deep and disturbing undertow of abuse under the guise of religious leadership and spiritual guidance.

Sibisi recounted her harrowing experience to Eyewitness News post the documentary's broadcast, amidst a wave of social media backlash. The onslaught of criticism has not stayed her resolve as she stands firmly in defense of her decision to speak out against TB Joshua. She narrates her story of visiting the church roughly 18 years ago, with the initial aim of deepening her evangelistic call. What transpired, however, according to her account, was manipulation that escalated into sexual abuse.

The change in dynamic seemed subtle at first, with the church’s leader asking to be called 'Daddy' instead of 'Prophet'. Sibisi describes this as a transition from seeing TB Joshua as a religious leader to a patriarchal figure, meant to be obeying without question. According to her, the situation devolved rapidly when she was summoned to his room late one evening, where she alleges he demanded she take off her pants and subsequently raped her.

Despite the death of TB Joshua in June 2021, the stories emerging from the documentary have sent ripples across the world, prompting a complex examination of the televangelist's character and the unchecked power he wielded. The narrative has begun to shift, with many reflecting on the damaging impact of such violations on the victims and the Nigerian religious community at large.

As these revelations come to light, they stand as a stark reminder of the potential for exploitation within powerful religious institutions. For Sibisi and the other women, the documentary serves as a means of reclaiming their narrative, finding solidarity with one another, and cautioning against the unregulated authority placed in the hands of charismatic leaders.