By Doreen Mokgolo
- Zion Christian Church takes legal action against Michael Serepo for ignoring a court order banning his church activities.
- Serepo continues using the fake Lekganyane name and ZCC symbols despite Home Affairs cancelling his identity document.
The Zion Christian Church have told lawyers to take legal action against a man who started a church using their name and symbols.
Michael Kgotso Serepo founded the Zion Creationist Church and changed his name to Maditobane Barnabas Lekganyane. But he has ignored a court order to stop pretending to be part of the real ZCC.
The Pretoria High Court had banned Serepo and his followers from wearing ZCC uniforms, symbols and items. They were also told to stop saying they are ZCC members or that Serepo is the son of ZCC leader Bishop Barnabard Edward Lekganyane.
But Serepo has continued breaking these rules, forcing the real ZCC to go back to court.
Serepo registered his church as a non-profit organisation on 9 March 2023. His church members wear the same uniforms and follow the same teachings as the real Zion Christian Church.
On his Facebook page, Serepo says his church is based on tradition and culture.
ZCC spokesperson Moatshe Ngoepe said the court also ordered Home Affairs to cancel Serepo’s identity document that uses the fake Lekganyane name.
“Home Affairs found that he submitted false information when applying for his second birth registration, claiming that Isaia Lekganyane was his biological father,” said Ngoepe.
“He didn’t fight the decision to cancel his ID after the court order of 10 June 2024.”
Home Affairs sent Serepo a letter on 10 July 2024 telling him they would cancel his identity card.
But despite knowing about the court order and legal consequences, Serepo has continued spreading false information on social media. He uses the fake name and claims Home Affairs records were not changed.
“The court sent a sheriff to read the court order to the church on 1 June 2025, but he was blocked by the members,” said Ngoepe.
Picture above: Maditobane Barnabas Lekganyane/Michael Kgotso Serepo.
Image source: Facebook
