The Easter weekend marked a powerful comeback for Limpopo’s informal economy, as thousands of pilgrims made their long-awaited return to the ZCC headquarters in Moria for the first time Easter gathering in five years. The massive pilgrimage, a cornerstone of the ZCC’s Easter celebrations, had been on pause since 2020 due to the outbreak of COVID-19 and restrictions that followed.
The influx of worshippers brought with it a wave of economic activity, injecting much-needed cash into local small businesses, informal traders, taxi operators, accommodation providers, and food vendors across the province.
For many in the region, this was not just a religious gathering it was a long-overdue economic revival.
“It felt like we could finally breathe again,” said street vendor Gift Legodi, who has sold traditional food and drinks outside the Moria grounds for over two decades.
“The past few years were tough. No pilgrims meant no income. But this year, I had queues every day from Thursday until Sunday. I made more money this past Easter weekend than I have seen in the last six months,” said Legodi.
Legodi was one of hundreds of informal traders who prepared for the anticipated return of pilgrims by restocking supplies, fixing up their stalls, and hiring extra hands. Many reported selling out entirely before the long weekend was over.
Public transport operators also experienced a major boom. Taxi ranks across Limpopo and neighbouring provinces were filled with travellers making their way to and from the holy site, bringing increased earnings for drivers and operators.
“Every single taxi in our association was on the road,” said George Phasha, spokesperson for a local taxi association based in Polokwane. “We had to run additional trips just to meet the demand. It was exhausting, but worth it. Most drivers made triple their usual weekend income,” Phasha said.
Accommodation facilities, ranging from lodges to informal home-stays, also saw full bookings. Some locals even opened their homes to visitors, earning extra income for the holiday period. Small guesthouses around Moria were fully occupied weeks in advance.
For SMMEs and local suppliers, the spike in activity was a chance to recover lost ground. From bottled water providers to mobile toilet suppliers, demand soared.
“We received more orders this Easter than in all of 2023,” said Tsholofelo Aphane, an entrepreneur who runs a logistics and supplies company. “It proves that religious tourism can be a lifeline for the economy when supported properly.”
The Limpopo Department of Economic Development has welcomed the rebound, noting that informal traders form a vital part of the province’s job creation efforts. Officials hinted that they may consider additional support structures to help traders prepare for future events of a similar scale.
