ST. ENGENAS-Zodiak C.C (ZCC) is a South African Christian church headquartered in Moria, Limpopo. It is the largest African Initiated Church in South Africa with a membership of around 13 million people. The church was founded in 1919 by Engenas Lekganyane.
When was the founder of ZCC born?
Engenas Ledwaba Lekganyane was born in 1885 in the Limpopo province of South Africa. His parents were Tlou and Rahab Sekgopo Lekganyane. He was given the name Engenas after the biblical figure Aeneas, who was healed by Peter the Apostle (Acts 9:33–34).
How did Engenas Lekganyane start the ZCC?
Lekganyane was a migrant worker who worked in the gold mines of Johannesburg. In 1919, he fell ill and returned to his home village of Zion City, Moria. While there, he had a vision in which he was instructed by God to start a church. Lekganyane began preaching and healing the sick, and soon attracted a large following. In 1931, he married Rosalia Ntloko, who became the church's first female leader.
How the church grew?
The ZCC grew rapidly in the early 20th century, particularly among black South Africans who were disenfranchised and oppressed by the apartheid regime. The church provided them with a sense of community and belonging, as well as a source of spiritual and emotional support. Lekganyane died in 1948, but the ZCC continued to grow under the leadership of his successors, including Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane and Bishop Benedict Lekganyane.
ZCC today
Today, the ZCC has millions of members and a presence in South Africa, as well as in other African countries, such as Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is also growing rapidly in the United Kingdom and the United States. The church is known for its emphasis on healing and deliverance, as well as its emphasis on traditional African culture and customs.