On Sunday, President Cyril Ramaphosa and some cabinet ministers paid a courteous visit to Bishops of ZCC Dr. Barnabas Lekganyane and Dr. Engenas Lekganyane of St Engenas ZCC in Limpopo. According Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, the visit was part of Ramphosa’s efforts to engage with different stakeholders amid escalating cases of COVID-19 in the country.
Prior to the national lockdown, in an effort to slow down the spread of the virus, government took several measures including the prohibition of gatherings of more than 50 people.
The move meant that churches could not meet for their annual Easter services.
To adhere to these rules – ZCC, which is known for drawing millions of people to Moria every year for its Easter pilgrimage, cancelled its Easter Service.
Jackson said part of Ramaphosa’s visit was to thank the leadership of the church for respecting government’s decision.
President @CyrilRamaphosa has now proceeded to meet with Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane and the leadership of the Zion Christian Church in Moria . The President has all intentions of seeing all sectors being part of the war against #Covid_19SA . #Stayhome #Savelives .
— Minister Jackson Mthembu (@JacksonMthembu_) April 5, 2020
The visit left a sour taste in the mouths of some social media users, however.
They are questioning whether there was an ulterior motive to the visit, while others want to know if Ramaphosa intends to visit all churches in the country.
When you say the politicians are living life as normal,not inspiring confidence in people to stay put at home so they stay safe, you will be charged with all sort of insults. I guess next weekend they will visit the Shembe church? They can have Sunday visits while people are home https://t.co/UdFuKGJeJX
— Lukhona (@LukhonaMnguni) April 5, 2020
Below are other comments raised on social media about this visit: