The directive applied in areas where there were more than one branches. It seems the directive for a merger has bitterly divided the church to the extent that former church mates are no longer in talking terms. The rivalry as articulated by the spiritual leader of ZCC, Lekganyane recently has a potential of tarnishing the good image of the church that was founded in 1910.
Addressing his members at a special general meeting in Palapye last month, Lekganyane indicated that the merging of the branches is a precursor to answering the call to have a church minister in Botswana. For example, in Gaborone, Phase II branch is supposed to merge with Extension 14 branch and become Gaborone City ZCC FO93 branch. This according to the church authorities will enable a committee, which is tasked to take care of all Botswana branches to monitor them well. The committee chaired by former permanent secretary, Louis Malikongwa and known as Consensus Building and Mediation Team (CBMT) is charged with the responsibilities of amongst others ensuring a smooth merging of branches and dealing with all other related issues.
