Today in history: Joseph Lekganyane is born
Barnabas chose and presented Joseph to his brothers, elders and his advocate as his successor just before he died in 1972.
Former leader and founder of the Dove branch of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC), Joseph Engenas Matlhakanye Lekganyane, was born on 21 January 1931 at Thabakgone Mamabolo, Pietersburg district (now Polokwane in Limpopo).
Joseph was the fifth and favourite son of Engenas Barnabas Lekganyane, the founder of the original Zion Christian Church before it was split into two branches.
Barnabas chose and presented Joseph to his brothers, elders and his advocate as his successor just before he died in 1972.
After his father’s death, Joseph claimed leadership of the church but the position was disputed by his brother Edward.
As result of the strife, the ZCC split in two, each brother leading a branch with the Dove and the Star as their respective symbols.
In 1965, Joseph Lekganyane changed the name of his church to St Engenas Zion Christian Church and added the symbol of a dove to the ZCC badge.
Information sourced from: South African History Online.
