ZCC Leader Lekganyane Praises Ramaphosa for Historic G20 Success at National Day of Prayer
In a powerful display of unity and faith, thousands of South Africans from diverse religious backgrounds gathered at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday, 30 November 2025, for the annual Motsepe Foundation National Day of Prayer. The event, which drew over 100,000 worshippers and was broadcast live to audiences in 60 countries worldwide, featured heartfelt prayers and calls for action on the nation’s pressing challenges.
At the heart of the gathering was Zion Christian Church (ZCC) leader Bishop Dr Barnabas Lekganyane, who delivered a stirring sermon praising President Cyril Ramaphosa and his cabinet for the successful hosting of the G20 Summit. This historic occasion not only celebrated South Africa’s global achievements but also highlighted the need for collective prayer to tackle issues like corruption, gender-based violence, and economic woes.
The National Day of Prayer has become a cornerstone of South Africa’s spiritual calendar, bringing together more than 35 religious and faith-based organisations each year. Organised by the Motsepe Foundation, the 2025 edition emphasised themes of gratitude, hope, and social cohesion, urging participants to combine faith with practical efforts to build a better nation. Amid colourful displays of church uniforms and gospel music, the event served as a reminder of the power of prayer in addressing both local and continental problems.
Bishop Lekganyane’s Sermon: Gratitude for G20 Triumph and Calls for National Healing
Bishop Dr Barnabas Lekganyane, leader of one of Southern Africa’s largest churches, took centre stage with a sermon that blended biblical wisdom, national pride, and urgent pleas for reform. Addressing the massive crowd and global viewers, he began by congratulating President Cyril Ramaphosa and his team for the landmark G20 Summit held in Johannesburg earlier in November 2025. The summit, attended by leaders from 42 countries, was hailed as a success that showcased South Africa’s warmth and potential.
“Congratulations to President Cyril Ramaphosa and his cabinet for successful G20 summit which world leaders from 42 countries graced our shores. As we thank our government and all heads of states that overwhelmingly endorse the leaders declaration, I would like to remind us of the book of Timoth 1 Timothy 4:4 which says leaders. For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving. as believers and people of faith. We believe that God created the moment for South Africa to host the presidency of G20. And this is what we we are thankful for,” said Bishop Lekganyane.
He highlighted how the event could boost South Africa’s struggling economy by attracting investments from the European Union and other nations. To illustrate the positive impact, the bishop shared touching anecdotes from international delegates. “The German delegate said, ‘Your people are extraordinary.’ Extraordinary. I have attended summits in six continents. I have never experienced warmth like this. A French delegate said something profound. We came to discuss economic frameworks. made us feel. That’s not soft power. It’s real power.”
Bishop Lekganyane urged the nation to stay hopeful, declaring South Africa a “nation of winners” despite persistent challenges. He also extended praise to the Springboks rugby team, congratulating coach Rassie Erasmus and captain Siya Kolisi for their role in nation-building. Noting the similarity between the ZCC’s green and yellow uniforms and the team’s colours, he said, “They truly make us proud about their contribution to the nation building. I might add that our green and yellow church uniform and the springboard colors tell South Africa story.”
Unity in Diversity: A Gathering of Faiths and Leaders
The event brought together worshippers from various denominations, including the Anglican Church, Methodist Church, and Church of Christ, all united under one sky at the iconic FNB Stadium. Traditional leaders and kings from across the country joined the proceedings, adding to the sense of inclusivity. Gospel artists such as Sbu Noah and Dumi Mkokstad performed uplifting songs, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere.
Motsepe Foundation CEO Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, who played a key role in organising the day, stressed its purpose in fostering unity and addressing social ills. She noted that the gathering aimed to pray for solutions to high unemployment, poverty, and gender-based violence, while encouraging business leaders and NGOs to support the vulnerable. “We know that South Africa still struggles with high levels of unemployment, high levels of poverty. We also pray for our leaders in business and NGOs to have the capacity to help the poor. We also pray for the end of the issues of gender-based violence,” she said.
Tshwane Mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya and Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba were among the dignitaries present, alongside the Motsepe family. The foundation had prepared extensively, with road closures around the stadium and strict security measures to ensure a smooth experience for the over 120,000 expected attendees.
Addressing South Africa’s Deep-Seated Challenges Through Prayer
Bishop Lekganyane’s message delved deeply into the country’s social and economic struggles, calling for divine intervention and human action. He condemned endemic corruption, drawing from Genesis 6:12: “God looked upon the earth and saw that it was corrupt. For the living creatures on earth had corrupted their ways.” Describing corruption as a “higher grade” issue that has paralysed the nation, he urged prayers for healing, saying, “Many of us are shattered. But let us remember that this battle belongs to God Almighty. Let us be courageous and gain our strength in prayer.”
He highlighted gang violence, drug abuse, and extortion, noting how young people are coerced into crime by drug lords. “South Africa is at the top in violent crime among nations. There’s no news bulletin that concludes without reporting violent crimes every day.” On gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide, he supported the Women for Change advocacy group’s nationwide shutdown on 21 November 2025, which honoured the approximately 15 women murdered daily in South Africa. “The time to be silent is long over. Such campaigns must be intensified and be in all our faces.”
The bishop also addressed basic rights issues, such as severe water shortages and inadequate sanitation in many communities. “We say water is life. We pray that all these basic rights should be realized urgently in our communities.” He criticised past government inaction on expert warnings about aging infrastructure and the awarding of contracts to incompetent service providers.
Continental and Global Prayers: From Africa to the World
Extending his message beyond South Africa’s borders, Bishop Lekganyane called for prayers to end conflicts in Africa, particularly in Sudan, Nigeria, and Niger. He condemned the abduction of school children in Nigeria as “morally reprehensible” and lamented the greed-driven violence in mineral-rich Sudan, which has caused famine, displacement, and death. “Africa with its young population and abundance of minerals should take the unity of the continent and seriously. As we pray for corruption to end in South Africa, we should pray for the end of corruption and armed conflicts in Africa.”
Quoting from Colossians 3:15-17 and 2 Timothy 2:1-3, he encouraged believers to be “warriors of faith” who persevere through persecution and avoid worthless debates. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Since as members of one body, you are called to peace. and be thankful.”
Dr Patrice Motsepe’s Closing Remarks: Faith Paired with Action
In a moving response, Motsepe Foundation founder Dr Patrice Motsepe expressed deep gratitude to the religious leaders, including Bishop Lekganyane and Archbishop Princlin, for their prayers. “I know that I speak on behalf of all of us. All of us who are here in the stadium and all of us who are watching with us in the 60 countries throughout the world and all South Africans who are with us to thank each and everyone of our leaders, our religious and faith-based leaders who came to pray for us. Your prayers gives us inspiration. In your prayers give us confidence that uh all the challenges and all the problems we have will be overcome.”
He emphasised that prayer must be accompanied by deeds: “Prayer is important, but God wants us to do the right things. God wants us to care for each other. God wants us to help the poor. God wants us to create jobs, to provide education, to help those who are sick.” Dr Motsepe also thanked his wife, Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe, for her hard work in making the event possible, and acknowledged the duty of the privileged to support the unemployed and needy.
A Call to Hope and Collective Action
As the event concluded, Bishop Lekganyane’s final prayers resonated: for wisdom in leaders, love in families, comfort for the suffering, and an end to gang activities, GBV, corruption, taxi killings, and global wars. “May the God of Mount Zion bless you and keep you all.”
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