Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Queenin Masuabi
Published on 2024-04-01 12:40:57
The area known as Moria, located approximately 35km from Polokwane, is home to the largest churches in the country, and arguably in southern Africa. These churches are part of the Zionist Christian Church (ZCC) but have been divided into two groups: the St Engenas and Star groupings.
The St Engenas group recently held its annual pilgrimage over the weekend to celebrate Easter, attracting tens of thousands of members who flocked to Moria for the event, including individuals from other southern African countries such as Eswatini and Botswana.
During the Easter Sunday service at the church, attended by ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa, he received cheers and applause from the churchgoers who were seated on the lawn in rows. After the church proceedings, Bishop Joseph Lekganyane gave Ramaphosa the opportunity to address the diverse crowd, consisting of men, women, and children of all ages.
Ramaphosa, addressing the congregation, expressed his admiration for the church’s centennial celebration and commended the unity and beauty displayed by all the members in their church attire. He also highlighted the importance of prayer and reflection during his visit to the ZCC, stating that he was uplifted and inspired by the bishop’s sermon on moving the country forward.
In his sermon, Bishop Lekganyane emphasized the need for unity between the government and citizens to ensure the effective governance of the country. He mentioned that with the country’s abundance of natural resources, everyone should have opportunities for employment. Ramaphosa echoed this sentiment, calling for collaboration between the government, private sector, labor, and civil society to improve the lives of all citizens.
Ramaphosa also expressed the ANC’s aim to secure an outright majority in the upcoming provincial and national elections, emphasizing their commitment to delivering a better life for all South Africans. He was accompanied by key ANC officials, including the head of elections, ministers, and mayors from various regions in the province.
In attendance at the service was also EFF leader Julius Malema, accompanied by his wife and party officials. Malema, who has a history of attending ZCC services, engaged in a brief conversation with Ramaphosa at the end of the service, showcasing a display of unity despite their political differences.
While Malema did not address the congregation, he expressed gratitude to Bishop Lekganyane for the service. The presence of both Ramaphosa and Malema at the church service highlights the importance of religious and political leaders coming together for shared values and beliefs.
The convergence of political leaders at Moria serves as a reminder of the significant role that churches play in shaping societal values and promoting unity among diverse communities. As the country prepares for elections, the engagement between politicians and church leaders underscores the importance of collaboration and dialogue in addressing the socio-political challenges faced by South Africa.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
