Joshua Maponga Biography
Joshua Maponga is a Zimbabwean-born public speaker, author, philosopher, leader, musician, and social entrepreneur. He relocated to Zimbabwe from South Africa, where he had spent over 20 years, citing pressure to leave the country. This comprehensive biography explores his early life, family background, education, career, controversies, and more.
Early Life and Background
Joshua Maponga is the firstborn and oldest of five children. He moved to South Africa and Swaziland before flying to London, United Kingdom, at the end of 1998. In the UK, he lived in Birmingham, Norfolk, and South Essex with his ex-wife. Later, he returned to South Africa to start a new career in marketing, consulting, and construction.
Family
Father
His father, Lazarus Maponga, was a pastor and minister. He had been released from prison and death row in the 1979 Amnesty for political prisoners in Zimbabwe following the Chimurenga war against the Rhodesian government. This event had a significant impact on Joshua’s life and career choices.
Children
Joshua Maponga has two daughters from his first marriage.
Education
Joshua Maponga enrolled as a theologian at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA. He initially wanted to pursue engineering or medicine, but his father guided him toward theology. Maponga holds a Degree in Philosophy (BA theology) and Personal Ministries. He also attained CET (Construction Entrepreneurial Training) through an ILO (International Labour Organisation) initiative.
Career
Pastoral Work
Maponga served as a pastor for 33 years and was conferred the title of Bishop from the Pentecostal and Evangelical community. He has worked with organizations such as Entrepreneurial Development Southern Africa, the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church, and the Global Management Centre (UK).
He has extensive experience in branding, banking, non-profit organizations, and project management with multinational companies like Vodacom, SAPO, Absa World Vision, PRASA, SALGA, Milpark College, and SAPS.
Television and Media
Maponga has written, developed, produced, presented, and anchored TV programmes. His show “Joshua” was added by One Gospel in 2010. Other shows include “Behind The Gospel” on DSTv channel One Gospel, “Late Debate,” and “Education Channel ‘ED’.”
Leadership Roles
Maponga is the CEO of the Institute Farmers Of Thought. He also leads two organizations: Zimbabwe Indigenous Movement (ZIM) and Africa Indigenous Movement (AIM), which aim to transform Africa and house intellectual property for development.
Suspension from SDA
In 2020, the SDA suspended Maponga. A letter from Southern Africa Evangelism, Personal Ministries, and Nurture and Retention Director, Michael Rugube Ngwaru, expressed concerns about the content and communication style of Maponga’s gospel. He was banned from attending, speaking, preaching, and officiating at any SDA Church function in Southern and Indian-Ocean regions.
Controversies
Controversial Sermons
Maponga has made several controversial statements in his sermons. He criticised the portrayal of a white Jesus, arguing that it made no sense for Africans to be promised gold in heaven while their resources were taken by others. He also claimed that Africans are still metaphorically hanging on the cross, with the Chinese and Europeans acting as thieves stealing their minerals.
Homophobic Slur
In 2018, Maponga appeared before the Port Elizabeth Equality Court in South Africa for comments he made comparing homosexual people to animals. The South African Human Rights Commission criticised him, and he faced legal action for his remarks.
Alleged Marital Affair
In April 2021, a 29-year-old woman from Newcastle, Kwa-Zulu Natal, accused Maponga of having an affair with her. She claimed he impregnated her, though she later miscarried. Maponga denied the allegations, stating the woman was trying to extort money from him.
Writing His Own Bible
Maponga has embarked on writing his own Bible, titled “The Gospel According to Maponga J.” He has written over 50 chapters so far. Maponga’s intention is to leave his writings as a legacy for the next generation. His new Bible reflects his evolving ideas and beliefs, which have diverged significantly from mainstream Church teachings.
Relocation to Zimbabwe
Maponga relocated to Zimbabwe due to pressure from #PutSouthAfricansFirst campaigners who did not want him involved in South African issues. Some reports claimed he was deported, but Maponga stated his move was in response to South Africans’ wishes.
Publications
- “Going Places In The Spirit”
- “So You Want To Be The Master”
- “Shopping Skills”
References
- “Joshua Maponga: Looking To Carve Out A New Future For South Africa”
- “Bishop in Court Over Homophobic Slur”
- “Bishop Maponga vs Nyatsi”
