The grief of a South African mother, identified as Sonny, over her daughter’s tragic death 10 years ago in the collapse of the Synagogue Church of All Nations building, is still deeply palpable. The mother, speaking with BBC Africa Eye as part of an investigation titled “Disciples: The Cult of TB Joshua,” revealed the heartbreaking story of her daughter’s demise during the collapse. Sonny recounted how her daughter, Princess Sibongile, was buried under the rubble when the building collapsed. Princess Sibongile had decided to visit Nigeria upon hearing about the miracles attributed to the late Prophet Temitope Joshua (TB Joshua).
She shared, “My daughter Sibongile Princess, died on her first trip to the synagogue. She was looking forward to being there just like everyone that you see on TV. She still has her favorite teddy bear in her room, which she had asked her siblings to keep for her. She was such a perfectionist. We all saw the miracles every day on television and we thought that this could only be the hand of God.”
The devastating news of the collapse left Sonny in a state of panic and despair, as she attempted to contact her daughter without success. She expressed her shock and disbelief at the tragic turn of events, reflecting on the initial anticipation of a spiritual encounter turning into a nightmare. Sonny also expressed her dismay at the lack of immediate information from the church about her daughter’s safety, compounding her anguish during the harrowing ordeal.
Sonny’s son, Lwandle, also shared his sentiments, highlighting his sister’s significance within the family and the void left by her sudden departure. The tragic loss of Princess Sibongile and several other worshipers, predominantly South Africans, during the collapse on September 12, 2014, has left a lasting impact on their loved ones and the wider community.
The subsequent investigations into the collapsed building revealed structural inadequacies and failures, raising concerns about the approval and construction process. Despite the contentious claims and counterclaims surrounding the cause of the collapse, the catastrophic incident resulted in a significant loss of life and ongoing anguish for the affected families.
The lingering pain and unanswered questions surrounding Princess Sibongile’s death serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of the tragedy. The bereaved mother’s lamentations resound ten years later, underscoring the profound emotional toll of the fateful events at the Synagogue Church of All Nations.
