Heinz Winckler launches One80: A conservative youth movement inspired by Charlie Kirk's Turning Point USA
Heinz Winckler unleashes a conservative youth movement!
Image: Heinz Winkler. Picture: Instagram
Former Idols SA winner turned pastor Heinz Winckler has launched a new conservative youth movement modelled on Turning Point USA (TPUSA), the American organisation founded by right-wing activist Charlie Kirk.
Announcing the initiative, One80 said it is: "A movement that stands for faith, family and freedom, created in response to the sacrifice of Charlie Kirk and the global impact thereof."
According to the group's website, the movement was formed in and for South Africa but is open to growing further into Africa and beyond.
"We see a movement with national impact through local expression. We aim to unify like-minded people, set up chapters in as many cities and towns as we can to reach young people and bring about positive change."
One80's stated goal is 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 Winckler calls a 'faith-driven cultural revival.'
Winckler, who rose to fame after winning the first season of Idols SA in 2002, then became a pastor and motivational speaker, has increasingly aligned himself with Christian nationalist causes.
The website urges supporters to take action. "If you are also moved to make a difference, fill out the form, join our WhatsApp group and start praying for the movement."
However, critics have questioned whether the initiative signals a growing importation of American-style culture wars into South African religious and political spaces.
"My conspiracy theory is that the end of apartheid so profoundly destroyed SA racists' identities and self-confidence that they've since been vicariously living through white racists in other countries in an attempt to reclaim it," author Naledi Mashishi commented.
The author of Power and Faith: How evangelical churches are quietly shaping our democracy, Pontsho Pilane echoed similar sentiments.
"Winckler becoming so right-wing that he proudly starts a Temu version of TPUSA was not on my 2025 bingo card. Alas, the US evangelical right's culture wars and ideologies have found a cosy home in South Africa," she said.
IOL News