By Montsho Matlala
ZCC Moria City, Limpopo – As thousands of Zion Christian Church (ZCC) congregants prepare for their annual New Year pilgrimage, which starts in the first week of September, the multimillion-member international church has appealed to traders not to sell their wares along the busy roads near its headquarters in Moria City, outside Polokwane, Limpopo.
The Consecration of the New Year Conference will run for eight days, from this Wednesday until next week Wednesday.
During this period, high traffic volumes and increased pedestrian movement around the church headquarters are expected, raising concerns over possible road safety hazards.
“For reasons of public safety during the conference period, all forms of informal trading or vending, as well as parking of motor vehicles, will strictly be prohibited along the R71 road between Polokwane and Tzaneen, in front of the ZCC headquarters in Moria City, starting from Matshelapata in Mentz to Mphogodiba,” said ZCC spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe in a statement today.
Ngoepe emphasized that the measures are not intended to stifle small traders, as the church is not against small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
He added that the temporary ban on informal trading near the church is solely for safety reasons.
Lucas Modiba, 41, who sells fruits, clothing and toiletries along the R71 near Moria City, said:“In all those previous years I made good business from hundreds of congregants passing by on their way to services. Some traders even travel from Rustenburg, Ermelo and other local areas to sell during the annual gatherings.
But we suffered a blow during Covid-19 when the ZCC took an extra year after the nationwide lockdown was lifted, only to open partially last year but still prohibited hawkers. I understand the road safety reasons, but at the same time, livelihood insecurity confronts us.
”Lucy Mothiba, 67, who has relied on selling goods most of her life, explained:“I sell different things from brooms to clothing. But during ZCC pilgrimages I usually sell sorghum pap, cooked vegetables, meat, packaged milk, bread, tea and soft drinks. With the ban here I will obey because I understand it is not against us but for human safety.
”Ngoepe added that the ZCC is a law-abiding entity and will work closely with law enforcement agencies on safety and security measures during the conference.“We urge families to provide supervision for young children and, if possible, avoid travelling during high-risk periods such as late at night,” he said.
The over 100-year-old ZCC, with about 15 million followers, has a strong presence in the Southern African Development Community (SADC), particularly in Botswana and Lesotho. The church ceremonies usually culminate with sermons by the head of the church, Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane.
Zimbabwean immigrants in South Africa follow their own version of the ZCC, which differs in rituals and congregational practices from the Moria City-based ZCC. However, both use star badges, though in slightly different sizes.
According to sources, ZCC Zimbabwe was founded by Bishop Samuel Mutendi, who had ties with the South African ZCC under Bishop Engenas Lekganyane. Mutendi later returned to Zimbabwe, where he established a separate entity after Bishop Engenas Lekganyane’s death in 1948.
In South Africa, the church later split between blood relatives.
The current St Engenas ZCC (dove badge) is led by Bishop Joseph Lekganyane, while the ZCC (star badge) is led by Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane. Both churches have their headquarters in Moria City, situated close to each other, but maintain their independence while respecting one another.
The St Engenas ZCC, which also has a significant presence in Botswana, is expected to hold its New Year holy activities later this month at its headquarters in Moria City.
