The sale of the Good Hope Centre sits at the centre of a spiralling public debate after an online municipal auction closed with a reported R135 million winning bid and a City audit was opened to verify bids and due process, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The pastor named as the successful bidder responded in a formal statement on 10 March, rejecting what he calls a coordinated campaign of misinformation.
John Anosike said he has lived in South Africa lawfully for more than a decade and denied any involvement with illegal substances or selling salvation for money.
The statement said the Good Hope Centre purchase was intended to be financed through a bank loan, which it described as standard practice for large property acquisitions.
‘Our intention from the beginning has always been to utilise the banking loan system to finance this acquisition, as is common practice in large property or venue purchases. ‘
‘The plan has been to work through legitimate financial institutions so that the payment can be structured responsibly and transparently over time, rather than relying on immediate cash reserves.’
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‘I have never had any involvement, directly or indirectly, with drugs,’ he said, adding that contributions to the purchase were voluntary and that the transaction will be financed through banking channels.
The pastor’s office also challenged specific media stories that it says used ‘AI-generated images and unverified claims’ about property ownership and alleged fees.
The ministry urged outlets to correct inaccuracies and to consider the human cost of unverified reporting on families and congregations. ‘There are two ways to kill a person: one is to kill them directly, and the other is to destroy their reputation,’ the statement reads.
Reporting and political commentary have escalated, with critics questioning the sale of municipal assets and some politicians urging review of foreign participation in certain bids. News organisations and the City say due diligence is under way and the audit will determine whether the sale stands.
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Also read:
Cape Town reviews bids for the Good Hope Centre amid new ownership
Picture: Pastor John Anosike / Facebook
