Gospel artist and pastor Thinah Zungu responded to renewed scrutiny following the resurfacing of a video featuring a sexual scene from a TV show. The cleric had previously expressed remorse after the episode was originally broadcast in 2023.
Rising to fame through his music, Thinah Zungu expanded his talents to acting. He played the role of Malusi in the e.tv’s eVod telenovela, Mother of All, but his participation in the series attracted significant criticism due to the portrayal of the sex scene.
Thinah Zungu addresses the revival of the old scene
As reported in an article by Daily Sun on Monday, June 8, 2026, a replay of the contentious episode was broadcast last week, inciting renewed criticism. When the episode first aired in 2023, Thinah Zungu had issued an apology, stating that the scene was filmed prior to his ordination as a pastor.
He also noted that he was cast for the role and disclosed that he received compensation for it, which led critics to claim he prioritized financial gain over his pastoral integrity.
In a more recent statement, Thinah Zungu declined to reiterate his apology, clarifying that he had accepted the acting role to support himself during the COVID-19 lockdowns, a period that left many artists without income due to the prohibition of live music performances.
“I’m not going to apologise again for something that’s now in the past. The scene was shot during COVID-19. I understand most people saw it for the first time this week. Some had no DStv in their homes when it was first aired in 2023. That’s not my fault. I’m not going to explain myself again. If I explain myself, it’d mean I’ll have to do the same if the show is repeated in future,” said Thinah.
The artist known as Thinah SingoZungu indicated that he remained open to participating in another television project. However, he firmly stated that he would refrain from acting in any sex scenes.
“Although I’m deciding not to apologise again, it was also my decision that, as a pastor, I won’t compromise my dignity by involving myself in such scenes,” he added.
During his brief involvement in Mother of All, Thinah Zungu was featured alongside Inimba actress Zenande Mfenyana, Thandeka Nodada, Thamie Africa, and Brigette Masinga.
In April 2023, Zungu was officially ordained as a pastor at the Ark Fellowship Church located in Inanda, north of Durban.
