Season one Idols South Africa winner Heinz Winckler has made headlines over his decision to establish a faith and family-oriented movement inspired by the late Charlie Kirk.
The American conservative was the founder of his popular Christian-based organisation Turning Point USA.
Kirk was shot at close range whilst speaking at a rally at Utah Valley University in September.
HEINZ WINCKLER STARTS MOVEMENT INSPIRED BY CHARLIE KIRK
In several recent social media posts, Heinz Winckler stated that he would be establishing the faith-based ONE80 movement – inspired by Turning Point USA.
He posted alongside a signup link: “It’s time for a ONE80 in South Africa. If you are also moved by Charlie Kirk’s legacy and you’re ready to rise up, join a movement for FAITH, FAMILY & FREEDOM.
Winckler, the first winner of Idols South Africa, stated that ONE80 was “born out of a deep conviction that South Africa needs to change direction — urgently and decisively”
He added: “The inspiration came after the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk. A man who stood fearlessly for truth and for the values of Faith, Family, and Freedom.
The movement called on individuals to “make a 180” from “decline, and toward truth, responsibility, and renewal”.
Heinz Winckler – a pastor of Johannesburg church LoveKey – has heaped praise on the US right-wing activist. He’s even hosted a South African vigil for the controversial conservative.
‘CONSERVATIVE’ BOOK
While many South Africans were surprised at Heinz Winckler’s comments praising Charlie Kirk, others are reminded of his alleged homophobic and transphobic views.
Late last year, the singer-turned-preacher came under fire over the launch of his and his wife Alette’s Christian books, ‘Life Guides for Women’ and ‘Life Guides for Men’, at the Breytenbach Centre.
Reacting to the outcry, Heinz Winckler posted on IG: If you believe like us that the Bible is the Word of God, and believe we must be obedient to it, you are also conservative in the eyes of some ‘woke’ liberals. That’s why we say YES loudly; we are conservative.”
Image via Twitter
@heinzwinckler
Responding to one follower, he added: “It’s actually a big compliment. Because if conservative means to believe in the Bible, then we are conservative.”
Heinz’s wife, Alette, posted on her Instagram feed, “If I am going to make the Sunday tabloids because I believe the word of God is the HIGHEST AUTHORITY, then bring it on!”
