South African gospel executive Ayanda Ncwane has sparked conversation on social media after a clip featuring her prompted viewers to draw comparisons to prominent charismatic preachers Benny Hinn and Shepherd Bushiri.
Also see: Ayanda Ncwane’s face appearance sparks reactions online
Ayanda, the widow of late gospel singer Sfiso Ncwane and CEO of Ncwane Communications, found herself at the centre of a lively online discussion that mixed humour, nostalgia and criticism.
‘A brand-new Bushiri’
Following the circulation of the clip, some social media users compared what they saw to the style and spectacle associated with prominent charismatic ministries.
One reaction described Ayanda as a “brand-new Bushiri,” while another jokingly asked whether “Ps Benny Hinn is still alive.”
The comments appeared to draw on viewers’ familiarity with the public personas and ministry styles of Hinn and Shepherd rather than suggesting that Ayanda is affiliated with either preacher.
Other users took a more critical approach, using the clip to raise broader questions about money, celebrity and presentation within some church environments.
Ayanda Ncwane is bringing us a brand new Bushiri 😳😳😬😭😭 what have done to deserve this.. who is this Pastor Benny Hinn😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/ubFbLPbq3H
— Bongekile Mthembu🇿🇦 (@_Bongekile_) October 1, 2026
Questions about church earnings
Among the reactions were questions about the financial side of religious ministries, including references to claims or discussions around figures such as R700,000 a month.
These comments formed part of the wider social media conversation, although they should not be taken as establishing Ayanda’s personal earnings or the finances of any particular church without supporting evidence.
The discussion reflects a recurring debate in South Africa around the relationship between religion, money, celebrity and charismatic leadership.
Benny Hinn and Shepherd Bushiri comparisons
Benny Hinn is an internationally known televangelist associated with healing ministries and large-scale Christian events. Shepherd Bushiri, meanwhile, is a Malawian-born pastor who built a large following through his church and ministry activities in South Africa and elsewhere.
Both figures have become familiar reference points in South African online conversations about charismatic Christianity and prosperity-focused ministries.
As a result, social media users sometimes invoke their names when commenting on religious content that they perceive as theatrical or heavily focused on public presentation.
The comparisons in response to Ayanda’s clip were therefore largely part of the online commentary surrounding the video, rather than an indication that she is adopting either man’s ministry.
Ayanda Ncwane is bringing us a brand new Bushiri 😳😳😬😭😭 what have done to deserve this.. who is this Pastor Benny Hinn😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/ubFbLPbq3H
— Bongekile Mthembu🇿🇦 (@_Bongekile_) October 1, 2026
If you don’t know Ps Benny Hinn, you’re a newly born again Christian 😭 Tjo https://t.co/TDrdrViTAE pic.twitter.com/czlQADcjYl
— 𝕊𝕔𝕦𝕕𝕖𝕣𝕚𝕒 ℝ𝕖𝕕 👑🇿🇦 (@ScuderiaRed_) October 1, 2026
Also see: Internet users react to Ayanda Ncwane alleged skin bleaching
Faith, spectacle and social media
The reactions also highlight how religious figures and gospel personalities are increasingly discussed through the language of social media.
Clips can quickly generate conversations that extend beyond the original context, with viewers bringing their own experiences and opinions about churches, pastors, wealth and religious leadership into the discussion.
For some users, the comments appeared to be light-hearted jokes. Others used the moment to question practices within parts of the charismatic Christian landscape.
This tension between faith, entertainment and spectacle has become a recurring topic in discussions about prominent religious personalities.
Benny Hinn’s 2026 events add context
The Benny Hinn references also come as the veteran preacher continues to feature in scheduled ministry events in 2026, keeping his name familiar to audiences who have followed his ministry over the years.
His continued public appearances help explain why his name remains recognisable enough to feature in social media comparisons, even when the conversation concerns a completely different public figure.
Social media reacts
Ayanda has not necessarily been the focus of every conversation surrounding the clip, but the reactions demonstrate how quickly a short video can become part of a much larger discussion.
From jokes about Shepherd Bushiri and Benny Hinn to questions about church finances, the comments reflect different attitudes towards charismatic leadership and the presentation of faith in the public sphere.
Ultimately, the clip has given social media users another opportunity to debate the changing relationship between religion, celebrity culture and online entertainment in South Africa.
Also see: Ayanda Ncwane accused of not paying Abathandwa their royalties
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