In 2021, Church Portal News covered the unsettling rise of Satanism in South Africa when Riaan Swiegelaar co-founded and launched the South African Satanic Church — the first of its kind in the country. Located in Century City, Cape Town, the church opened its doors in February 2020 after a four-year-long vision finally materialized.
At the time, this development stirred both concern and curiosity across the religious community and the public at large. For the first time, South African Satanists had a formal place of worship, with Swiegelaar as its leading voice and spokesperson.
However, the story did not end there — and what followed is nothing short of miraculous.
From Darkness to Light: A Supernatural Encounter
Riaan Swiegelaar has since undergone a dramatic and life-changing transformation. In an episode of the Wide Awake podcast, hosted by YouTuber Joshua Rubin,
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Riaan shared his powerful testimony of leaving the Satanic Church and embracing Christianity after an unexpected encounter with Jesus Christ.
According to Swiegelaar, the turning point came during a Satanic ritual, when he was alone and performing a spiritual invocation. He recalls being enveloped by an overwhelming sense of love — a love he had never experienced before. In that moment, he believes Jesus Christ revealed Himself, not in judgment, but in grace and compassion.
“I had an encounter with Jesus during a ritual,” Riaan explained. “I felt a presence so full of love, peace, and truth — I knew instantly it was Him. That love broke everything I believed.”
This moment shattered his worldview and left him questioning everything he had previously preached and practiced. In the weeks that followed, he began stepping away from the church he helped build.
A Painful Exit and a Bold New Beginning
Swiegelaar’s exit from the South African Satanic Church was anything but smooth. He shared on the podcast that his departure was met with fierce resistance from the church’s leadership. He faced a lawsuit initiated by high-ranking members in an attempt to silence him. The legal action was reportedly aimed at preventing him from revealing disturbing truths about the practices and hidden operations within the Satanic Church.
“I was threatened. There was an attempt to stop me from speaking out. But I knew I had to tell people what I had seen, and more importantly, Who I had encountered,” he said.
Despite the backlash, Riaan remained steadfast in his decision to leave Satanism behind. He has since made it his mission to share his testimony publicly and encourage others to seek the truth in Christ.
Public Reaction and Christian Community Support
Many in the Christian community have welcomed Riaan with open arms. His story has gone viral on social media, drawing thousands of comments and shares from believers praising God for this radical transformation.
“This is proof that no one is beyond redemption,” one user commented. “Jesus truly leaves the 99 to go after the one.”
Several churches have invited Riaan to share his story in person, and he has begun working on a book that documents his spiritual journey — from the founding of a Satanic church to becoming a follower of Jesus.
Looking Ahead: From Testimony to Ministry
Since his conversion, Riaan has taken time away from the public spotlight to focus on healing, studying Scripture, and reconnecting with God. In his own words, “I don’t want to just be another viral testimony. I want to grow roots in Christ.”
He has expressed interest in starting a ministry in the future that helps others who are trapped in occult practices, offering spiritual and emotional support to those seeking a way out.
We give glory to God for the redemptive work done in the life of Riaan Swiegelaar. His story is a bold reminder that no one is too far gone for the reach of God’s love. What began as a deeply disturbing chapter in South Africa’s spiritual history has now become a powerful testimony of grace, transformation, and the unstoppable power of Jesus Christ.
