The Zion Christian Church has been controversial since it was founded in 1924. From the fact that members wear uniforms and the ladies wrap their heads, to its focus on African history and culture, to its political foundations and affiliations, there is a lot about the ZCC that many who were raised in more “conventional” Christian denominations don’t understand.
Even so, the church continues to attract a massive following all over Southern Africa, and many people, young and older alike, are joining the church in droves. As of 2017, it was reported to have 16 million members, and has doubtlessly continued to grow since.
But do you know some of your favourite celebrities are members of the ZCC? Here is a list of some of the most outspoken ones.
Mohale Motaung
It would be hard to identify a celebrity in Mzansi – other than those who are pastors or church leaders – who is more enthusiastic about going to church than Mohale Motaung is. Every Sunday, he shares pictures of the audience at church, sometimes accompanied with a snippet of the sermon of the day.
Obviously, the uniform requirements of the church have relaxed, because we don’t know how Mohale would survive dressing in one colour and looking like everyone else every week (kidding!).
Although there have been rumours that he has since left the church, there is no way to tell for sure as he has yet to address it directly himself.
Read also: Mzansi Helps Mohale Find His Mystery Man
Evodia Mogase
Just by looking at her Instagram profile, you wouldn’t know that Evodia Mogase – popularly known as Madam from her reality TV show Madam & Mercy – is a member of the ZCC. I mean, we all know the women’s uniform, right? The green and yellow outfits, topped off with a headwrap (or doek).
This is probably why her fans were shocked when she showed up in the signature outfit once, finally revealing to the public that she goes to the church. She is a great example that ZCC members can have fun with other outfits that are not part of their dress code.
Read more: Madam Evodia Stuns Fans In Her Church Attire
Tshepo Joseph Senatle
SABC 1’s Skeem Saam’s Tshepo Joseph Senatle is another celebrity who is a ZCC member. Known mostly as Koloi Shivambu, his character name on the hit soapie, the young actor has grown to stardom rather fast.
He does not forget religion, though, even with his new found fame. He is a proud member of the church, and has never tried to hide it. But then again, there is no reason to hide this fact from the public – he has every right to be proud of it, and we love to see that he is.
Read also: Meet Skeem Saam's New Faces
Winnie Mashaba
Doctor of Sacred Music, Winnie Mashaba has been a proud member of the ST Engenas ZCC church, out in public, for a while now. In fact, she is one of the few Mzansi celebrities who proudly wears her doek most of the time she is spotted out and about.
She has had something of a rocky relationship with the church. A few years back, she was reported to have left. Just a few months later, she confirmed that she was still a firm member of the church, even though she wanted to clarify that she was not a spokesperson for the whole institution. She identifies as a traditional gospel artist, and her music mirrors her beliefs in the church.
Cornet Mamabolo
Cornet Mamabolo is also known for his role on Skeem Saam. He played the role of Thabo 'Tbose' Maputla for a while. Just last year, he spoke about leaving the series to focus on his business, and we hope that is working out well for him.
Cornet is also a known and proud member of the ZCC, even though he does not talk about the church much.
Read also: Cornet Mamabolo Is Hiring
Whatever you may have heard about the Zionist Christian Church – and there is a lot to hear – there must be something great about it. Perhaps it offers the same kind of belonging and spiritual nourishment that other Christian denominations and religions offer. All the rumours may be true, since there are lots of interviews with ex members, and they have a lot to say.
Either way, these celebrities have found a home in the church, so it must have something great to offer. Perhaps they can teach us more about it some time.