Heinz Winckler's wife responds to 'cult' claims about her faith-based weight loss programme

Aletté-Johanni Winckler, wife of singer and pastor Heinz Winckler, has found herself at the centre of controversy following accusations from a publication that she is promoting a "cult-like" weight loss programme called The Exodus Experience.

The claims suggest that the programme includes a 40-day paid detox designed to expel "demons" from participants, leading to significant weight loss.

Laughing off the allegations, Aletté-Johanni took to her Instagram account to express her views, sharing that the publication was "twisting the truth". 

"Thank you for the incredible publicity ... I feel sorry for you, I feel sorry that you have to be so desperate to get readers and nasty comments to twist the truth ... I posted my answers on social media so people can see what was actually asked and what was actually answered, and how it got to that ... conclusions that are absolutely not true."

"I have such joy in my heart. I feel honoured that I get to go through this. Because that means that He (God) has found me worthy of the persecution." 

She continued: "I laugh in the face of the enemy. What he (the devil) meant for evil, He (God) will turn it for my good and His glory … lekker, lekker."

The Exodus Experience is presented as a "faith-based lifestyle and wellness journey".

"It combines spiritual renewal (through daily devotionals, prayer, reflection, and community support) with educational guidance on nutrition, hydration, rest, and movement. It is not a medical programme, nor a replacement for professional care.

"Participants are encouraged to consult their own doctors before starting, especially if they have pre-existing conditions or are taking medication," she explained on Facebook.

She continued: "This is a daily mentorship and coaching journey - not a diet or medical plan. When participants sign up, we make it very clear that this is a voluntary lifestyle and mentorship programme, not a medical or therapeutic treatment.

"Every enrollee receives communication that explains that participation is entirely voluntary, results vary from person to person, detox symptoms vary and are individual, and The Exodus Experience does not make any medical claims or offer any medical diagnosis or treatment."

During the video, Aletté-Johanni also dismissed claims made about her husband, which allege that he is "fascist", "racist" and "transphobic".

She condemned these statements, saying: "We condemn every word formed against us …The more you curse me, the more I am blessed." 

In relation to the One80 Movement, which was formed by the former "Idols SA" winner turned pastor, she said: "The Exodus Experience and the One80 Movement are rooted in faith and family values, but they are two separate entities."

"One80 is my husband’s innovative ministry platform, concentrating on leadership and moral growth. The Exodus Experience is a privately run programme within my business, The Flare Factory (an umbrella company for all my ventures), aimed at holistic lifestyle renewal.

"While the values are similar, their operations remain distinct." 

One80 aims to mobilise young South Africans around conservative Christian values and build a nationwide network through local chapters and WhatsApp groups. 

The platform encourages supporters to sign up online or join prayer networks to support what Aletté-Johanni calls a 'faith-driven cultural revival'.