Cape Town — Stories about Nigeria's self-styled prophet TB Joshua came out tops with our readers this year.
Probably because many readers believe in his prophecies, or at least perhaps they did before he blotted his copybook when when he confidently and wrongly predicted the results of 2016 U.S election. The prophet put his money on Hillary Clinton but disappointed when the race was scooped by her rival Donald Trump.
However, before 'Father' TB Joshua (as he is referred to by his followers) blemished his reputation with some of his tales and predictions, there were some high moments: In 2012 he surprisingly predicted the death of a Southern African president, and his prophecy was followed by the death of "fairly strong" Malawian President Bingu wa Mutharika, even though all our readers' eyes were on Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe.
In one of his sermons he was quoted as warning of a plane crash in Asia, and this was followed by the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370. The plane was scheduled to arrive in Beijing international airport in China but disappeared. For his followers, this added weight to his being seen as "a true man of God".
The prophet again drew our readers when he prophesied drought and the crumbling of economies in Southern Africa. His prediction was borne by mainly the Zambian economy, which surprisingly had a terrible year in 2016. With Zimbabwe being a obvious choice for some, many southern African states were hit by a severe drought which led to serious food shortages.
TB Joshua's power to predict death, as on the case of Bingu wa Mutharika, made him famous among Africa's veteran politicians. Many of them flocked to Nigeria hoping for salvation and strength. Prominent African ruling and opposition party officials were seen at his Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN).
In the same category of prominent African prophets, Malawi's Prophet Bushiri needs no introduction to our readers.
The young, charismatic man of the cloth made news when he was able to break into South Africa's political arena this year. He brushed shoulders with the political elites of the most powerful country in Africa, catching our readers' attention when he was visited by South Africa's Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Nkanyezi Gigaba and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema. The purchase of his third jet fuelled discussions about his flamboyant lifestyle - and he is either adored or despised.
Some criticise him for living the high life while many of his countrymen are living in chronic poverty. When questioned about his lifestyle, Bushiri reportedly replied: "You cannot compare now and 2000 years ago. Jesus was using a donkey or a ship and in those days a donkey was like a [Mercedes] Benz."
The Lesotho-SADC standoff was the third most-read story for this year. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) threatened to suspend the country if it didn't co-operate with an inquiry into the assassination of the former head of the Lesotho Defence Force, Brigadier Maaparankoe Mahao. The political crisis was a litmus test of the strength and validity of the SADC.
Zimbabwe's political situation kept our readers on their toes all year round. Judging by predictions from prominent African prophets about the demise of the country's veteran leader, the fate of Robert Mugabe was uppermost in the minds of most of our readers from the beginning of the year up to midyear - then they probably realised that he isn't going anywhere, and gave up. However, members of the ruling party allegedly plotting Mugabe's assassination gave new life to stories about possible heirs to the Zimbabwean throne.
Reports suggested three groupings: Vice President Emmerson 'Lacoste' Mnangagwa and his faction; First Lady Grace Mugabe backed the 'G40', meaning Generation 40; and lastly, the other vice president, Phelekezela Mphoko, who seems to back the first lady's faction, but we're not sure if he is happy to let her climb the ladder.
The stories on how Vice President Mnangagwa fell out with President Mugabe were followed by many of our readers. When he was made acting president in the absence of Mugabe, it may have sparked hopes that Mugabe is loosening the reigns, since Mnangagwa is regarded as a better option by many than the first lady.
Probably striking fear into the hearts of those who enjoy freedom of information was the news of WhatsApp facing possible regulation in South Africa. The fate of the social media platform was left to Parliament to decide.
The Nigerian government's refusal to pay unemployment stipends to "idle youth" resonated with allAfrica's readers as well. With the country struggling with joblessness and poverty, the government refused just to give handouts but rather paid the stipend to those undergoing skills acquisition programmes. A smart move, if you ask me!
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The story of the ambush and death of Kenyan soldiers in Somalia drew widespread attention. The fight against Somali militants Al-Shabaab, and the killing of those committed to peacekeeping missions left many questioning if the bad guys are winning.
Surprisingly the opening of an office by the French video game developer and publisher, Gameloft in Nigeria caught the eyes of many. The leading digital and social game publisher announced that it was a strategic expansion into Africa. The story slipped in at No 10 on our-most read stories for 2016.
The Top 10:
1. TB Joshua Prophesises 'Trouble' of President in Southern Africa
2. TB Joshua's Prophecy On Economy
3. SADC Troika Recommends Suspension of Lesotho
4. TB Joshua's Prophecy - Readers' Reactions
5. WhatsApp Facing Regulation?
6. Mnangagwa Now Acting President
7. Prophet Bushiri Acquires Third Jet
8. KDF Soldiers Killed in Army Base
