Africa-Press – Botswana. At least 100 devotees of the Molepolole branch of St Engenas ZCC are going on the annual Easter pilgrimage to Moria in what is also an affirmation of faith after the Mmamatlakala Pass accident that claimed the lives of 44 of their fellow believers this time last year.
Approximately 100 congregants of the Molepolole branch of St Engenas Zion Christian Church (ZCC) have resumed the Easter pilgrimage to Moria, a year after 44 of their fellow members died in a horrific road accident on the trip to the same place.
Speaking in an interview, the Secretary of the Branch, Philip Sebifo, said this year’s pilgrimage is not only about completing the journey on behalf of their departed members but is also about upholding a central tradition of the church’s Easter celebrations.
Adequate counselling
“About 100 members will be travelling to Moria but not by bus, as that could evoke traumatic memories,” said Sebifo. “We believe our members have received adequate counselling. Moreover, we have ensured this is something that they truly want to do.
“We called a meeting to discuss the trip in March, and many expressed their willingness to go. They said they’re going to Moria in accordance with God’s will and to complete the journey of their departed brethren and sistren.”
50 metres below
Sebifo added that the Molepolole branch previously had around 350 members but now stands at approximately 300 due to the lives lost in the 2024 tragedy and some members stepping away in grief.
50 metres below
The horrific accident occurred on 28 March 2024 when a bus carrying 45 members of Molepolole Branch of the St Engenas ZCC veered off the Mmamatlakala Mountain Pass road in South Africa’s Limpopo province, plunging into a ravine 50 metres below.
Only 8-year old Lauryn Siako survived in what many members of the church and people in general have ascribed to divine intervention. According to Sebifo, the girl – now aged 9 – wanted to join the pilgrimage but was discouraged by church leaders.
Young survivor not going
“We felt she would attract too much attention and we wanted to protect her,” he said. “She will go in the future but not this year.”
The first group of the pilgrims will leave on Wednesday and the next on Thursday, using private vehicles and a combi instead of a bus. “Faith has triumphed over fear,” Sebifo asserted.
His words were echoed by Oreeditse Molebatsi, Minister and Head of Generale – Botswana, St Engenas ZCC, who said the church believes that the pilgrims are emotionally ready, thanks to a year-long counselling programme led by ministers.
Long and sombre shadow
The ZCC pilgrimage to Moria, established by the church’s spiritual leader Bishop Joseph Lekganyane, is one of the largest annual religious gatherings in Southern Africa, drawing millions of followers from across the region.
However, the 2024 tragedy has cast a long and sombre shadow over this year’s event — transforming what is usually a joyful occasion into one of remembrance of the tragedy.
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