Pastor Benjamin Dube’s life centres on three things: God, family and great gospel. We visit him and his four sons at their Tuscan-style Alberton mansion.
HE PUTS on no airs and graces as he steps into his expansive living room and introduces himself to our team. No protocol, no body guards and no personal assistants briefing us on what we can and can’t ask.
Pastor Benjamin Dube is anticeremony, period. Now that he’s pushing 55, the multiawardwinning singer songwriter might be fast app roaching his golden years, but you’d never guess it looking at him.
“The issue is really taking care of my body – you know, eating right,” he tells us. “I’m not a stickler on food, but I try not to overeat. Also, I train. I have my little gym upstairs.
“But everything boils down to one thing – the body is the temple that God wants to use. The more I take care of it, the longer God will have an opportunity to use it. Also, I try to free myself from worry.”
THE PASTOR lives in a gated, allwhite estate just off the N3 highway near Alberton. It’s a rather grand Tuscan style mansion with quality finishes, and is kitted out with highend designer furniture.
“We moved here last December,” the father of four boys tells us. “Prior to this address, I lived in Meyersdale for seven years, but I felt we had outgrown the place. Even the financial muscle was okay,” he shares.
“It was the doing of the Lord, really. God rewarded my faithfulness in remaining where I was. Moving, like travelling, gives one perspective.”
At the other end of the open plan living room, we spot Phindi, his first exwife and mother of his three eldest sons, who’s busy rustling up a meal.
The pastor is currently in the process of divorcing his second wife, Thabile.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Homegrown Heroes
Drum speaks to two volunteers in the Covid-19 vaccine trial and the professor heading the team in Africa
The Big Clean Up
Whenever a Covid-19 case is confirmed at a shop, they call in the deep-cleaners. We find out exactly how they disinfect stores and supermarkets
I'm Back & Better!
Babes Wodumo shares what she’s been up to in lockdown – and there’s some new music on the horizon
Not An Easy Ride
Taxi commuters and industry players tell DRUM what’s driving them to defy lockdown rules
Mam' Mary Bows Out
Iconic actress Mary Twala is fondly remembered by friends and family for her humour and talent
‘They Lived For Each Other'
This Cape Town teen’s parents died from Covid-19 on the same day. Now she’s alone and battling the virus too
Stranger Than Fiction
For actor Mangaliso Ngema and his daughter Khosi Ngema, her role in Blood & Water was like watching their family’s real-life story unfold
I Was Raped By A Pastor
His accusations against a well-known man of the cloth turned an Eastern Cape man’s life into turmoil but now more victims have spoken out
My Fight With Life And Death
More Covid-19 patients, too few beds and staff, constant sanitising and personal fears – a Western Cape doctor shares her experience
I AM ENOUGH
Ten years after being set alight, Thembi Maphanga is living life to the fullest
