The Gundo Zion Apostolic Church, with its headquarters at Masakona outside Louis Trichardt, held its annual general conference over the Easter weekend.
The conference drew congregants from all branches of the church. Among the guests who attended the event were Vhamusanda Vho-Pfarisenu Mawela of Sereni, the Masakona Traditional Council's chairperson, Vho-Vhatukana Rambau and Queen Priscilla Masakona.
Speaking during the function, the church's leader, Archbishop Lesly Ramalamula, called on those present to put God first in all they do. "As a country, we are living at a time when depression has taken over and become a major killer. Many are committing suicide and so many lives have been lost as a result. Know that God has answers to all our problems, and I implore all of you to seek spiritual intervention when you are overwhelmed with challenges," he said.
The highlight of the conference was when the archbishop welcomed Vhamusanda Vho-Pfariseni Mawela as a new member of the Gundo Zion Apostolic Church. He was given special church regalia as a way of welcoming and honouring him.
The chairperson of the Masakona Traditional Council, Mr Vhatukana Rambau, spoke of the importance of the partnership between the church and royalty. "The church has a duty to pray for the leaders, especially traditional leaders, for peace in our villages," he said.