'Zionist' pilgrims to descend on Matsiloje

The late Bishop Jacob Mokaleng Motswasele started the church in 1952. In 1955, he established its headquarters in his adopted home village, Matsiloje, 44 kilometres east of Francistown. Today the church is led by 53-year-old Bishop Joseph Gotlaadirwang who, like his father, is also a prophet.

The church boasts more than 15,000 members in Botswana and neighbouring Namibia and South Africa. "This Easter, we are expecting congregants from Namibia and South Africa. We have a church in Debrak near Rustenburg, South Africa. We have another church in Windhoek and Mogwa, Namibia," disclosed the Bishop. Pastor Nicodemus Ditlhale will lead the South African congregants to Matsiloje while Bishop Ananias Kazondunge of Namibia will lead Namibian pilgrims. The church service will start during Holy Thursday, which is the Last Supper. As usual, women will have a service from 2pm the same day. The Holy Communion will be administered at 6pm.