Some of the locals in Mashamothane attended another unique church service at the Gamola Church
on Sunday. The sermon was held at Batau Liquor Restaurant.
The patrons sang while indulging in their favourite alcoholic beverages, with the archbishop rendering
several verses and praying for the congregation.
“We connect with God by drinking alcohol,” said the self-declared archbishop, Lazarus Makutu Motene.
While some may call them drunkards, they brush off the criticism. They claim they drink for deliverance.
“The church is for those who have been rejected by other churches because they drink alcohol,” said Motene.
According to him, the Gamola Church aims to save rejected sinners who are considered outcasts by society.
“Our church is named Gamola, which is a Sepedi word meaning ‘to drink’,” he confirmed.
This church gained popularity after it declared itself as one of the few in the country where patrons were expected to drink alcohol during a service. Church services are always held in taverns, bars or shebeens.
The chairperson of the Gamola Church, Ntate William Matshela, said they initiated this church to have a platform in which they engage with alcoholics.
“As tavern owners, we initiated this church to guide alcoholics. We tell them to refrain from criminal activities, gender based violence, and to avoid drinking the whole night. We want responsible drinkers.
They must bath and be clean and they must also bring their own money and stop nagging people. They must avoid fights at all times,” he said.
Matshela said the church also assists with burials, weddings and other services for their members.
