By Nkhensani Mthombeni
- The Limpopo Department of Transport expects about 4000 buses at ZCC headquarters in Moria for New Year celebrations from Friday to Sunday.
- Heavy traffic is expected from Friday at 11pm on the N1, N11 and R567 as pilgrims travel to Moria from across the region.
About 4000 buses are expected to arrive at the Zion Christian Church’s headquarters in Moria this weekend, as members gather from across South Africa and neighbouring countries for the church’s New Year consecration.
The Limpopo Department of Transport and Community Safety says the pilgrimage runs from Friday, 4 September, to Sunday, 6 September. Buses are expected from all over the country, as well as midibuses and minibuses from Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Heavy traffic is expected from Friday at 11pm, as buses begin moving towards Moria along the N1 northbound from Gauteng and southbound from Musina and Makhado, the N11 from Groblersbridge connecting to the R567 or D19 Matlala Road towards Polokwane, and the N1 southbound from Beitbridge towards Polokwane.
“The traffic will reach its climax on Sunday, when His Grace will be joined by leaders from political parties, senior traditional leaders and various VIPs, including business leaders, as he leads the consecration activities through a church service,” said Mashudu Mabata, spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Community Safety.
The consecration is led by His Grace Bishop Dr. Barnabas Edward Lekganyane. Some believe President Cyril Ramaphosa may also attend on Sunday, after he visited the ZCC’s St Engenas branch alongside Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba during the church’s Easter festivities in April. This has not been confirmed.
The church has said hawkers will not be allowed to trade in front of its headquarters, to maintain order and reduce congestion. Parking will also not be allowed along the R71 in front of the church, to keep pedestrian movement smooth and emergency access clear.
Speaking to Scrolla.Africa, ZCC member Maite Molapisane, from Bolobedu, said she was excited to reach the headquarters on Friday. She said the New Year celebration holds deep meaning for her, having grown up in the church, and said her married children have now raised their own children in the faith too. She wished all ZCC members a happy new year.
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