Meet Alph Lukau: Congolese-born televangelist who is also South Africa’s richest pastor

---

At a Glance

---

• Alph Lukau leads Alleluia Ministries International, a megachurch with global branches and millions of followers.
• He is widely reported as South Africa’s richest pastor, with wealth tied to church and media.
• Known for miracles and controversies, Lukau remains a polarizing yet influential figure in African Christianity.

---

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Alph Lukau has become one of South Africa’s most talked-about pastors. He is the founder and overseer of Alleluia Ministries International (AMI), a Johannesburg-based megachurch with branches across Africa, Europe, and the Americas. 

Known for his commanding stage presence and global televangelism, Lukau has built a ministry that attracts thousands in person and millions through online streaming platforms.

Often described as South Africa’s richest pastor, much of his wealth is attributed to his church empire, real estate, media reach, and high-profile partnerships.

From Congo to Johannesburg
Lukau moved from the Democratic Republic of Congo to South Africa, where he launched Alleluia Ministries International in 2002.

What began as a small congregation in Johannesburg has grown into a global movement with multiple campuses and a strong media presence, positioning him as a key figure in Southern Africa’s charismatic Christian landscape.

A ministry built on media and miracles
At the heart of Lukau’s appeal is his mastery of modern media. His sermons and healing services are broadcast worldwide, reaching millions through television, YouTube, and social platforms.

Known for dramatic displays of faith and miracle claims, Lukau has become a polarizing figure—winning loyal followers who see him as a prophet, while drawing criticism from skeptics and mainstream observers.

Wealth and lifestyle
Lukau’s fortune is frequently discussed in the press, especially given his reputation for living lavishly. Reports highlight luxury cars, mansions, and high-end fashion as hallmarks of his public persona.

His critics argue this lifestyle contradicts his message of faith, while supporters view it as evidence of divine favor.

While some outlets claim his net worth could approach $1 billion, more conservative estimates suggest hundreds of millions. Without public accounts, the exact scope of his wealth remains uncertain.

Philanthropy and outreach
Despite the controversy, Lukau has also been credited with funding community initiatives through Alleluia Ministries International, including charitable donations, food distributions, and support for vulnerable families.

His ministry regularly highlights its humanitarian programs as evidence of its broader mission beyond the pulpit.

Controversies and global spotlight
Lukau’s career has not been free of scandal. In 2019, he sparked global outrage with the infamous “resurrection” stunt, where he was filmed appearing to raise a man from the dead—a claim later dismissed as staged.

The incident drew criticism from Christian associations in South Africa, regulators, and the media, cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s most controversial pastors.

Still, controversy has not diminished his following. Instead, it has amplified his visibility, keeping him at the center of conversations about faith, wealth, and spectacle in African Christianity.

A polarizing but influential figure
Today, Alph Lukau remains one of the most prominent pastors in South Africa, blending charismatic preaching with a global media machine.

His story reflects the powerful intersection of faith, fame, and fortune on the continent, making him both a subject of admiration and criticism.

From Congo to Johannesburg, and from small gatherings to global audiences, Lukau has crafted a ministry that embodies both the promise and the controversy of modern African Pentecostalism.