In a dramatic turn of events, Yadah TV, a channel on DStv (281) run by controversial Zimbabwean preacher Walter Magaya, is shutting down today, January 31, 2025. The channel, which has been on DStv since 2018, was primarily used to promote Magaya’s religious activities, including his controversial healing claims and exploitative practices.
Magaya, the founder and leader of the Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) church in Harare, has long been a polarising figure. His channel’s closure comes amid a series of scandals that have plagued his ministry, including allegations of sexual abuse, fraudulent academic claims, and the promotion of an illegal HIV “cure.”
DStv Confirms Closure Without Explanation
A notice on DStv confirmed the channel’s closure but did not provide a reason. It read: “DStv regrets to inform you that it will be saying goodbye to the Yadah TV channel from 31st January 2025.”
Magaya’s Yadah TV channel closing on Dstv. It has been on dstv since 2018. pic.twitter.com/A9KRYjUSJJ
— Zim Media Review (@ZimMediaReview) January 30, 2025
According to The NewsHawks, Yadah TV was a platform for Magaya to promote his religious activities, fake healing powers, and exploitative practices. The channel was often criticised for using deceitful sermons to secure tithes from followers.
A History of Controversy
Magaya’s religious career has been marred by controversy, forgery, and lies. In 2019, he claimed to have discovered a cure for HIV/AIDS, a claim that was swiftly rejected by the Zimbabwean government. His herbal remedy, AGUMA, led to his arrest and a subsequent fine of US$700. He was forced to issue a public apology to the nation.
More recently, Magaya launched a new product: a card he claims possesses healing and deliverance powers. In a video shared on social media, he stated, “I can safely say to you the cards are officially launched. They are for you, for your use.” The cards, which will be sold for an unspecified price, are the latest in a string of dubious product launches by the preacher.
Sexual Abuse Allegations
Magaya’s troubles extend beyond his questionable business ventures. In 2022, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) launched fresh investigations into sexual abuse allegations against him. The ZGC announced in October 2022 that it was re-inviting submissions from victims of sexual exploitation by the cleric.
The investigations were initially halted after the alleged victim in a 2015 rape case withdrew charges against Magaya. The State had accused him of raping a female congregant at one of his houses in Mt Pleasant and forcing her to terminate her pregnancy. Magaya allegedly bought her silence with $100,000.
Despite the withdrawal of charges, the ZGC was given a green light by the High Court to continue its investigations. In a statement, the ZGC said, “The Zimbabwe Gender Commission wishes to advise members of the public that the Zimbabwe Gender Commission in its Commission meeting number 38 on the 4th of August 2022 resolved to recommence investigation of the allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse of women levelled against Prophet Walter Magaya of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries.”
Fake Academic Credentials Exposed
In a letter dated 28 January 2025, a UNISA press officer stated, “Kindly be advised that based on the details you provided; our system could not trace either a student number or date of birth for Mr. Magaya. This effectively means that we do not have Mr. Magaya as a student of UNISA.”
UNISA later published a statement on its website, confirming that Magaya was neither a student nor a graduate of the institution. “Any certificate/s he produces which he claims to be from UNISA is/are therefore fraudulent,” the statement read.
This revelation followed Magaya’s unsuccessful High Court challenge to his disqualification from the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) presidential race in December 2024. He had been disqualified for failing to submit an Ordinary Level (O-Level) certificate, a mandatory requirement for ZIFA presidential candidates.
A Pattern of Deceit
Magaya’s controversies are not limited to his academic fraud and sexual abuse allegations. He has also been accused of making false claims about his religious powers. In one instance, he claimed to have carried “Zimbabwe’s problems and prayers” to Israel in two black satchels.
His previous product launches, including a lipstick he claimed could boost bodily functions and help those with low blood sugar, have also been met with scepticism and criticism.
The Fallout
The closure of Yadah TV marks a significant blow to Magaya’s ministry, which has relied heavily on the channel to reach his followers. The move by DStv has left many questioning the future of his church and its activities.
For now, Magaya remains a controversial figure, embroiled in legal battles and facing mounting scrutiny over his actions and claims. As investigations into his alleged misconduct continue, the preacher’s once-thriving empire appears to be unravelling.
Conclusion
Walter Magaya’s fall from grace is a cautionary tale of the dangers of unchecked power and influence. From fake healing claims and fraudulent academic credentials to serious allegations of sexual abuse, his controversies have cast a long shadow over his ministry.
As Yadah TV goes off the air, the spotlight remains firmly on Magaya, whose troubles are far from over.
