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“Church-preneurship”: Emerging Perspectives on Tensions Between Development and Prosperity Within Neo-Prophetic Churches in Southern Africa
Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2026.
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
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Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
2026
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| _version_ | 1867613841863475200 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author | Pondani, Simbarashe |
| author2 | Bowers du Toit, Nadine |
| author_browse | Bowers du Toit, Nadine Pondani, Simbarashe |
| author_facet | Bowers du Toit, Nadine Pondani, Simbarashe |
| author_sort | Pondani, Simbarashe |
| collection | Thesis |
| description | Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2026. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/135931 |
| institution | Stellenbosch University (South Africa) |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:42:33.557Z |
| license_str | Not specified — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| publishDateRange | 2026 |
| publishDateSort | 2026 |
| publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| publisherStr | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| spelling | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/135931 “Church-preneurship”: Emerging Perspectives on Tensions Between Development and Prosperity Within Neo-Prophetic Churches in Southern Africa Pondani, Simbarashe Bowers du Toit, Nadine White, Peter Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Theology. Dept. of Practical Theology and Missiology. Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2026. Pondani, S. 2026. “Church-preneurship”: Emerging Perspectives on Tensions Between Development and Prosperity Within Neo-Prophetic Churches in Southern Africa. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/40acdb51-9ed8-4388-a1c7-683bfd1c76ea This study critiques the commercialisation of the gospel in Neo-Prophetic Churches, arguing that it contributes to the continued underdevelopment of the poor. Despite political independence, many African contexts, including Zimbabwe and South Africa, remain marked by unemployment, economic decline, inequality, and racism. In such settings, disillusionment with government has led people to seek alternative forms of socio-economic security – often within the spiritual sphere. Neo-Prophetic Churches have proliferated rapidly, drawing large followings through miracles, forensic prophecies, teachings on submission and loyalty, and strong social media presence. Their prominence centres on the figure of the “prophet”, whose wealth accumulation persists even under severe economic conditions. The study investigates how prophetic teachings and practices are shaped by entrepreneurial and neoliberal principles, and how these contribute to the marginalisation of the poor. Guided by Osmer’s (2008) practical theological framework and employing a critical realist approach, the research examines “Church-preneurship” – the commercialising practices embedded in prophetic spirituality within Neo-Prophetic Churches in Southern Africa. It analyses the strategies used by influential prophets, including Shepherd Bushiri, Emmanuel Makandiwa, and Uebert Angel, whose ministries have popularised Neo-Prophetism in the region. Particular attention is given to the ways followers are encouraged to contribute financial and material resources in pursuit of promised breakthroughs. The study critiques the impact of extreme Neo-Prophetism, including the cultivation of god-like leadership identities and the disempowerment of followers. It concludes by offering practical theological recommendations for reshaping leadership, giving practices, and notions of sonship. Rather than adopting neoliberal market logics, churches are urged to reclaim their role in fostering community development, promoting justice, and safeguarding human dignity within contemporary neoliberal societies. Doctoral 2026-04-15T12:11:06Z 2026-04-15T12:11:06Z 2026-03 Thesis https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/135931 en 277 pages application/pdf Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| spellingShingle | Pondani, Simbarashe “Church-preneurship”: Emerging Perspectives on Tensions Between Development and Prosperity Within Neo-Prophetic Churches in Southern Africa |
| title | “Church-preneurship”: Emerging Perspectives on Tensions Between Development and Prosperity Within Neo-Prophetic Churches in Southern Africa |
| title_full | “Church-preneurship”: Emerging Perspectives on Tensions Between Development and Prosperity Within Neo-Prophetic Churches in Southern Africa |
| title_fullStr | “Church-preneurship”: Emerging Perspectives on Tensions Between Development and Prosperity Within Neo-Prophetic Churches in Southern Africa |
| title_full_unstemmed | “Church-preneurship”: Emerging Perspectives on Tensions Between Development and Prosperity Within Neo-Prophetic Churches in Southern Africa |
| title_short | “Church-preneurship”: Emerging Perspectives on Tensions Between Development and Prosperity Within Neo-Prophetic Churches in Southern Africa |
| title_sort | church preneurship emerging perspectives on tensions between development and prosperity within neo prophetic churches in southern africa |
| url | https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/135931 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT pondanisimbarashe churchpreneurshipemergingperspectivesontensionsbetweendevelopmentandprosperitywithinneopropheticchurchesinsouthernafrica |