Gogo Mathambo, whose real name was Sthembele Gaju, was a South African TV presenter, traditional healer, and activist who became famous for his show Fake Gobela on Moja LOVE TV. He died on November 21, 2023, after a short illness, leaving behind a legacy of courage and justice.
Early Life and Career
Gogo Mathambo was born on June 12, 1989 (Aged: 34 years old), in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He grew up in a family of traditional healers and learned the art of healing from his grandmother, who was also known as Gogo Mathambo. He claimed that he had a gift of seeing visions and communicating with the ancestors since he was a child.
He moved to Johannesburg in 2000 to pursue his career as a traditional healer and also to study journalism at the University of Johannesburg. He worked as a reporter for various media outlets, including SABC, eNCA, and Daily Sun, before joining Moja LOVE TV in 2019.
He became the host of Fake Gobela, a show that exposed fake sangomas (traditional healers) and gobelas (traditional mentors) who were scamming, abusing, and exploiting people in the name of African spirituality. He used his investigative skills and his knowledge of traditional healing to confront and expose the fraudsters and also to educate the public about the authentic practices and values of African spirituality.
He was not afraid to challenge the powerful and influential people who were involved in the fake sangoma business, such as politicians, celebrities, and businessmen. He also helped the victims of the fake sangomas and gobelas to get justice and healing. He was admired by many for his bravery, honesty, and compassion.
Personal Life and Family
According to some media sources, Gogo Mathambo was married to Nokuthula Gaju, a nurse, and they had three children: two sons and a daughter. He was a devoted husband and father who loved his family dearly. He also had a close relationship with his mother, who supported him in his career and his calling as a traditional healer.
He was a proud Zulu man who respected his culture and heritage. He was also a Christian who believed that African spirituality and Christianity were compatible and complementary. He often said that he was serving God and the ancestors through his work.
He enjoyed music, dancing, and soccer. He was a fan of Kaizer Chiefs, a popular South African soccer team. He also liked to travel and explore different places and cultures.
Gogo Mathambo Wiki/Bio
| Name | Sthembele Gaju |
| Famous As | Gogo Mathambo |
| Date of Birth | June 12, 1989 |
| Place of Birth | KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa |
| Date of Death | November 21, 2023 |
| Place of Death | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Cause of Death | Undisclosed (suspected poisoning) |
| Occupation | TV presenter, traditional healer, activist |
| Nickname | Gogo Mathambo |
| Spouse | Nokuthula Gaju |
| Children | 3 (2 sons, 1 daughter) |
| Show | Fake Gobela |
| Channel | Moja LOVE TV |
| Award | Order of the Baobab |
| gogomathambo | |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
Death and Funeral
Gogo Mathambo passed away on November 21, 2023, at the age of 45, after a short illness. The cause of his death was not disclosed, but some sources speculated that he might have been poisoned by his enemies who wanted to silence him. His death shocked and saddened many people who admired and respected him.
His funeral was held on November 28, 2023, at his home in Soweto, Johannesburg. It was attended by his family, friends, colleagues, fans, and dignitaries, including the Minister of Arts and Culture, the Mayor of Johannesburg, and the CEO of Moja LOVE TV. He was buried according to his wishes, in a traditional Zulu ceremony, with full honors and respect.
He was remembered as a hero, a legend, and a warrior who fought for the truth and the dignity of African spirituality. He was also praised for his contribution to the media industry and society at large. He was awarded the Order of the Baobab, one of the highest honors in South Africa, for his service to the nation.
How a TV presenter exposed fake healers and faced death threats before his demise
Sthembele Gaju, also known as Gogo Mathambo, was a TV presenter who hosted a show called Fake Gobela on the Moja LOVE channel in South Africa. The show aimed to expose fraudulent sangomas and gobelas, who are traditional healers and initiators in the African culture. Gogo Mathambo, who was himself a trained sangoma, used his knowledge and skills to confront and challenge the rogue practitioners who were accused of mistreating, scamming, or abusing their clients and initiates.
However, his courageous work came at a price. He received death threats from some of the fake healers he exposed, who vowed to harm him spiritually or physically. He also faced criticism and backlash from some members of the traditional healing community, who accused him of disrespecting and undermining their profession. Despite the risks and challenges, Gogo Mathambo continued his mission to bring justice and awareness to the public.
Sadly, his life was cut short on Sunday, 21 November 2023, when he passed away at his mother’s house in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga, after a short illness. He was 34 years old. His family and friends suspect that his death was linked to the death threats he received and that he was a victim of a spiritual attack. His brother, Sibusiso Mabena, said that Gogo Mathambo refused to seek medical attention when he felt fluish because he knew it was not the normal flu. He said that his brother was aware of his impending death and that he had fulfilled his purpose.
A fearless and controversial crusader
Fake Gobela was a show that tackled the issues and problems that plagued the traditional healing sector in South Africa. The show featured cases of people who claimed to have been victimized by fake healers, who either took their money, abused their trust, or harmed their health. Gogo Mathambo would then investigate the allegations, and confront the accused healers on camera. He would also expose their tricks and methods, and reveal how they manipulated their clients and initiates. He would also offer advice and guidance to the victims, and refer them to genuine and reputable healers.
The show was controversial, as it exposed the dark and ugly side of the traditional healing industry, which is often shrouded in secrecy and mystery. Some of the cases that Gogo Mathambo dealt with included healers who turned into lions, healers who used human body parts, healers who sexually assaulted their initiates, and healers who cursed their enemies. The show also sparked debates and discussions about the role and relevance of traditional healing in modern society, and the need for regulation and accountability.
Legacy and Impact
Gogo Mathambo left behind a legacy of courage and justice that inspired many people to stand up for their rights and beliefs. He also left behind a wealth of knowledge and wisdom that enriched the understanding and appreciation of African spirituality. He was regarded as one of the most influential and respected traditional healers in South Africa and beyond.
His show Fake Gobela was one of the most popular and successful shows on Moja LOVE TV. It had a huge impact on the viewers, who learned a lot from his investigations and teachings. It also had a positive effect on the traditional healing sector, which saw a decrease in the number of fake sangomas and gobelas and an increase in the number of genuine and ethical practitioners.
His death sparked a national debate and a call for action to protect and regulate the traditional healing industry and to prevent the exploitation and abuse of the people who seek its services. It also raised awareness and appreciation of the role and value of traditional healers in the society and the health system.
Gogo Mathambo was a man who lived his life with passion, purpose, and integrity. He was a man who made a difference in the world. He was a man who will never be forgotten.
Trivia
- He was named after his grandmother, who was also a traditional healer and his mentor.
- He had the gift of seeing visions and communicating with his ancestors since he was a child.
- He studied journalism at the University of Johannesburg and worked as a reporter for various media outlets before joining Moja LOVE TV in 2019.
- He exposed fake sangomas and gobelas who were scamming, abusing, and exploiting people in the name of African spirituality on his show Fake Gobela.
