Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale has urged the church to partner government in its war against poverty.

Mathale,Thovhele Toni Mphephu Ramabulana, MEC Pinkie Kekana, and mayors Mavhungu Luruli and Tshitereke Matibe were guests during celebrations at the United African Apostolic Church headquarters at Ha-Mavhunga outside Louis Trichardt .

The event, which saw more than 20 bishops and thousands of the 1-million-strong Zionist church with members from all over Africa take part, took place on Sunday. After the arrival of other dignitaries, the congregation erupted in ululations when the archbishop made a grand entry in an open Jeep. The sleepy rural village became wide awake when hundreds of buses and other forms of transport descended on the traditional headquarters of one of the country’s few churches that have a real African flavour.

Mathale praised the church for their contribution towards the attainment of democracy in the country. He said the leadership of the ANC, led by Oliver Tambo, visited the church immediately after coming back from exile. “As government, we will continue working with you," said Mathale.

Mathale urged the church to work tirelessly towards the betterment of humanity. “We have declared a total onslaught on poverty and unemployment. We know that as a church you have always been a prospect partner from whom the unfortunate and disadvantaged draw hope," he added.

Speaking at the same event, Thovhele Toni Mphephu urged congregants to continue supporting their leader and to pray for him that God will give him more years.

Before addressing the congregation, Archbishop Elias Miriri led guests, who included premier Mathale and Thovhele Toni Mphephu, in the traditional Zionist dance.

Miriri made a clarion call to the youth to abstain from engaging in sex in the light of the rampaging HIV/Aids pandemic, which is threatening to tear communities apart. “The youth should dedicate their precious time and energy to their books; they should get educated in order to have decent jobs. Education is an inheritance that no one will take away from you; it will remain with you forever,” he said.

The national chairperson of the church, former professional soccer boss and businessman Peter Rabali, said they had such an occasion every year end. “We are here to pray for ourselves, leaders, politicians and other institutions. We are here to draw power and blessings. We need cooperation from other stakeholders that there be peace in the land. It is our duty as a church to pray for our leaders,” he said.