Zim GBC News | South African Correspondent
JOHANNESBURG – There is little joy and even less celebration among the three directors of South Africa’s largest and most successful gospel choir.
Lindelani Mkhize, a founder of Joyous Celebration, faces serious allegations from his co-directors of multiple financial irregularities that have rocked the multi-million rand gospel empire.
According to an alternative dispute resolution application filed with the Companies Tribunal, seen by Zim GBC News, Mkhize is accused of failing to disclose and account for monies owed to the corporation.
This allegedly led to the Joyous Celebration Foundation NPC receiving a R1 million tax demand from the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in 2024.
The application—filed by fellow directors Goodman “Jabu” Hlongwane and Mthunzi Namba—follows a recommendation in May by a Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) investigator.
The allegations against Mkhize include secretly securing sponsorships from major corporates including MTN, African Bank, and Bathu Sneakers. He is also accused of hosting private events—such as a “Restoration” show in 2022, a “Replenishment concert” and “Delicious festival” in 2023, and the “Soulful Explosion 2025” gospel concert—without the knowledge of the board.
It is further alleged that Mkhize directed payments received for these events to his personal account or to companies he controls. The court papers also claim he used company assets to fund over R1 million in personal travel and car rental expenses over three years, and took a R300,000 loan from Joyous Celebration in 2017 for his own entity, which he has allegedly failed to repay.
Mongezi Ramalivha, Mkhize’s legal representative, told Zim GBC News Correspondent this week that his client denies the claims.
“For obvious reasons, our client elects not to traverse the details while the matter is pending adjudication. Suffice to state, he denies all the allegations. He regards Messrs Hlongwane and Namba as family [and believes] family matters should not be discussed in public.
“Despite the dispute being ongoing for a couple of years, he is hopeful it [can be] amicably resolved. The co-members have … been able to resolve several issues in the past, and this is no different.”
Despite the serious nature of the dispute, both Hlongwane and Namba insist the trio remain brothers and that the ministry will continue.
Jabu Hlongwane confirmed that the company structure is evolving but remains intact.
“The company has grown and … there’s a change of direction. We are in that space now. But the company is still running and the three of us still own the company.”
He added that regardless of the dispute, he has been attending events and birthdays with Mkhize, and assured supporters the fallout would not impact the choir’s operations.
Mthunzi Namba echoed these sentiments, emphasizing their lifelong bond.
“Lindelani and I grew up in KZN—he was in Umlazi, I’m from KwaMashu. We are still brothers, and we’re still co-owners in good standing.
“I’m still a co-owner of Joyous Celebration, as is Jabu Hlongwane. We are all about the work of the Lord.”
Amid the ongoing dispute, Namba has appeared as a special guest with rival choir Spirit of Praise and is expected to join their upcoming Next Level Tour starting March 28 in Cape Town.
He dismissed suggestions that the collaboration is linked to the Joyous Celebration issues, stating he joined as a “father figure and pastor” because he loved their vision.
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