Draft:Leon du Preez
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Last edited by BrainStormer75 (talk | contribs) 16 hours ago. (Update) |
 | A major contributor to this article appears to have a close connection with its subject. (October 2026) |
Leon du Preez | |
|---|---|
 Du Preez in 2026 | |
| Occupation | Christian minister |
| Organization | Encounter Church |
| Title | Co-founder |
| Spouse | Este-Lee du Preez |
| Website | leondupreez |
Leon du Preez is a South African Christian minister associated with prophetic ministry, and a co-founder of Encounter Church.[1]
His ministry has involved church leadership, school and youth outreach, and television broadcasting.[2][3] In 2023, he appeared in the documentary Come Out in Jesus Name.[4]
Early life and ministry
[edit]According to a 2015 article in the Northern Natal News, du Preez said he overcame substance and alcohol abuse following a spiritual encounter in 2002. Following this encounter, which he described as bringing about a sudden spiritual transformation, he traveled, ministering at local and international church events and schools.[5]
In 2016, Review Online reported that du Preez founded Encounter Ministries International. He was also involved in the Second Chance initiative to support at-risk youth.[2]
Encounter Church
[edit]In a 2024 interview with JOY! News, du Preez said that in September 2016, following a period of itinerant ministry, he and his wife, Este-Lee, founded Encounter Church.[1] He characterizes his ministry as prophetic and has described an emphasis on prophecy, healing and deliverance within the Christian community.[1] By 2024, the ministry had expanded to five church plants across South Africa, as reported through the interview with JOY! News.[1]
Media and publications
[edit]Encounter with Leon du Preez is broadcast on TBN Africa, DStv Channel 343.[3]
In 2023, du Preez appeared as a cast member in the documentary Come Out in Jesus Name.[4]
Public coverage
[edit]In April 2026, The South African published an article claiming du Preez had prophesied a literal missile attack on the country. After publication, du Preez challenged the report, stating that his missile imagery had been symbolic and linked to international sanctions and economic instability. A complaint was submitted to the Press Council of South Africa.[6]
In August 2026, the Acting Press Ombud ruled that the article had misrepresented conditional and symbolic remarks as a literal prediction. However, the Ombud also concluded that du Preez had contradicted himself in separate references to war and bloodshed and was partly responsible for the ambiguity and distortion of his message.[6]
In September 2026, The South African published a correction and apology, acknowledging that its original report had incorrectly treated figurative statements as literal.[7]
References
[edit]- 1 2 3 4 de Lange, Jackie (25 September 2024). "Leon & Este-Lee: Preaching GRACE & POWER to a passionate generation". JOY! News. Retrieved 2 October 2026.
- 1 2 Joubert, Riana (20 July 2016). "Aiming to help the youth with Second Chance". Review Online. Caxton Local Media. Retrieved 2 October 2026.
- 1 2 "Encounter with Leon du Preez". TBN Africa. TBN Broadcasting in Africa. Retrieved 2 October 2026.
- 1 2 "Come Out In Jesus Name". AMC Theatres. 13 March 2023. Retrieved 2 October 2026.
- ↑ Worley, Terry (20 July 2015). "Leon du Preez aims to inspire Endumeni youth". Northern Natal News. Caxton Local Media. Retrieved 2 October 2026.
- 1 2 "Leon du Preez v The South African(a)". Press Council of South Africa. 20 August 2026. Retrieved 2 October 2026.
- ↑ "'The South African' apologises to Johannesburg pastor Leon du Preez". The South African. 2 September 2026. Retrieved 2 October 2026.