Johane Masowe
Johane Masowe was an African preacher and religious leader. The name "Johane Masowe" means "John of the Wilderness", and alludes to John the Baptist.
In 1932, Masowe suffered a long illness, and was unable to speak or walk. Afterwards, he believed he had been "sent from Heaven to carry out religious work among the natives". He initially had the nickname "Sixpence".
He spent the 1930s as an itinerant preacher throughout southern Africa, and settled in Port Elizabeth in 1947.
Masowe's followers eventually created several different churches. These include the Masowe weChishanu Church, and the Gospel of God Church, which observes Sabbath on Saturdays.
The term Vapostori is used to describe those who follow the teachings of Masowe as well as some closely linked traditions.
