South African president Cyril Ramaphosa hit the campaign trail on Easter Sunday, joining the annual pilgrimage at the St. Engenas Zion Christian Church (ZCC) headquarters in Moria.
With just two months until national elections, Ramaphosa aimed to shore up support among the influential ZCC congregation as his African National Congress party seeks to extend its 28-year rule.
Ramaphosa, who is seeking a second term as president, was welcomed by ZCC leader Bishop Dr. Engenas Lekganyane as the church celebrated its 100th anniversary. Thousands of congregants gathered for the historic Easter festivities.
In a statement, the ruling African National Congress (ANC) praised the ZCC visit as an appreciated “tradition” dating back to Nelson Mandela’s presidency. “We continue to be grateful for the lessons we take away from the church with each visit,” the statement read.
The ZCC boasts millions of members, making it one of the largest African-initiated churches in South Africa. A warm reception from Lekganyane and the ZCC faithful could prove valuable for Ramaphosa as he works to shore up support among religious voters ahead of the May 29th polls.
“President Ramaphosa congratulated the church on reaching this milestone centenary,” the official ANC page added.
The ZCC’s Moria headquarters hosts one of the world’s largest Easter gatherings annually. The president’s Easter visit continues the ANC’s outreach to the influential ZCC, which has hosted successive administrations.
As campaigning intensifies, Ramaphosa’s appearance at the ZCC celebrations allows the ANC to galvanize its backing from a key religious constituency. With faith playing an important role in South African politics, the president aimed to demonstrate his respect for the ZCC’s traditions.
Similar exercise was carried by the ANC Secretary General Mbalula, who joined congregants at the Covenant Fellowship Church International in the coastal town of eSikhawini
Opposition parties have already criticized the president’s church visit as an attempt to leverage the ZCC’s influence for political gain. But the ANC has insisted these are not campaign events, but rather an opportunity to engage with Scripture and participate in religious observation.
With six weeks until South Africans cast their ballots, Ramaphosa’s pre-election calendar is likely to feature more such stops at churches, mosques and other religious centers across the nation.
