The Limpopo province is expected to host two of the country’s largest Christian gatherings this Easter, with the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) and the St Engenas Zion Christian Church (St Engenas ZCC) expected to attract millions of worshippers to Moria, outside Polokwane.
Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba highlighted the significance of the events, saying the season “brings together families, friends and faith-based communities in celebration, prayer and renewal.”
“As the gateway to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, Limpopo remains a destination of cultural richness, spiritual significance, and natural beauty,” said Ramathuba.
She encouraged visitors to explore the province’s tourism offerings, support local businesses, and enjoy Limpopo’s hospitality while observing safety precautions.
She wished all residents and visitors “a peaceful, safe, and spiritually enriching Easter.”
With large numbers of pilgrims expected, authorities have urged caution on the roads.
“Fatigue remains one of the leading causes of road accidents. We encourage motorists to rest every two hours or after travelling 200 kilometres.
”Road safety is a shared responsibility that requires vigilance, discipline, and mutual respect,” the Premier said.
Meanwhile, MEC Violet Mathye of the Department of Transport and Community Safety said the department is “fully prepared for the upcoming Easter travel period, with intensified law enforcement operations aimed at ensuring the safety of all road users across the province.”
MEC Mathye urged motorists to obey traffic laws, including speed limits, avoid driving under the influence, ensure vehicles are roadworthy, and wear seatbelts at all times.
She also advised pedestrians to “remain vigilant, use designated crossing points, and avoid walking on busy roads, especially at night.”
Mathye called for patience and cooperation from road users, particularly at tollgates, as the department anticipates heavy traffic due to the annual pilgrimage of the two biggest ZCC churches.
“We expect significant movement of buses and minibuses on R71 from Polokwane towards Boyne and from Tzaneen direction, as well as on D4040 from the R37 turn off to ZCC St. Engenas via Maja.
”We also expect movement of buses on N1 from Beitbridge to Polokwane Direction and from N11 via R567 or D19 Matlala Road to Polokwane.”
Mathye said the ultimate goal is to maintain the zero fatality record on N1 achieved last year during the Easter period and to extend this record to other routes.
”Road safety is a shared responsibility, and through cooperation with law enforcement, we can save lives. No journey is worth a life—arrive alive.”
She also encouraged visitors to enjoy Limpopo’s offerings responsibly and wished them “a safe journey and a pleasant stay.”
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Hope Ntanzi
iol.co.za
