Former Idols South Africa singer Heinz Winckler has announced the formation of a new movement called ONE80, inspired by the late American activist Charlie Kirk.
This initiative, which aims to address pressing issues within South Africa and extend its reach across Africa and beyond, has already attracted nearly 500 registrations since its announcement on Monday.
Winckler, who transitioned from a successful music career to become a preacher, stated that the ONE80 movement was born out of a deep respect for Kirk’s legacy following his tragic assassination earlier this year, as reported by Netwerk24.
It is reported that the movement seeks to resonate with Kirk’s mission through a South African lens, aiming to serve the community and advocate for positive change during what Winckler describes as a pivotal moment for the nation.
While Winckler articulated his gratitude for being compared to Kirk, he also faced criticism from some quarters regarding the ideological implications of his inspiration.
In a now-deleted story on Instagram, Winckler expressed pride in this comparison, affirming his commitment to serve ‘the living God’ and pursuing a purposeful life amid South Africa’s challenges. ‘Our country is not heading in a strong, healthy direction,’ he remarked.
Winckler also preemptively addressed potential criticisms of his views on social media platforms.
In a Facebook post, he acknowledged that his association with Kirk might lead to labels such as ‘right-wing Christian nationalist’ or ‘radicalised evangelical’.
However, he staunchly defended his stance, arguing that these descriptions are unfounded and stem from ideological biases. ‘All because I decided to say I’m inspired by the life and work of Charlie Kirk… it would seem those who hate from an ideological predisposition speak with such unfounded conviction,’ he stated, urging for reasonable discourse.
Despite the mixed reactions, Winckler is determined to push forward with ONE80. He hopes to galvanise citizens who share his vision for a transformative movement that champions conservative, faith-based values in South Africa.
Be the first to know – Join our WhatsApp Channel for content worth tapping into! Click here to join!
Also read:
Picture: Heinz Winckler / Facebook
