Story by Faistars Mukungurutse
RELIGIOUS leaders from Zimbabwe’s indigenous Apostolic sects have endorsed the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill, submitting petitions to Parliament in support of the proposed legislation.
A delegation representing various indigenous churches, led by the Johane the Fifth of Africa International Church, delivered the petitions in Harare on Monday.
According to church representatives, the petitions were signed by more than 10,000 congregants drawn from all 10 provinces.
The churches said they support the proposed constitutional changes on the basis of national stability, policy continuity and the country’s drive towards attaining upper-middle-income status by 2030.
“We came here to submit petitions signed by congregants from across the 10 provinces. We are doing this of our own volition, without coercion or intimidation. We support the current Government and are proud of the efforts being made to ensure the country prospers. CAB 3 is the way to go to ensure national stability,” said Archbishop Dr Andby Makururu, leader of the Johane the Fifth of Africa International Church.
Spokesperson for Ruvheneko rweNyasha Apostolic Church, Mr Tinashe Bhanditi said the country had recorded significant progress in infrastructure development.
“We have seen tremendous progress in the development of our nation. The construction and modernisation of road infrastructure, as well as opportunities to improve livelihoods, are among the flagship priorities at the moment,” he said.
Mrs Pauline Mbishi of Jorodhani revaPostori International Church said extending the electoral cycle would help maintain development momentum.
“Elections disrupt the cycle of development, so by adding two more years it helps ensure continuity of life-changing policies and projects. That is why we support the Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill,” she said.
The Constitutional Amendment Number 3 Bill is expected to be tabled before Parliament for debate after the 18th of this month.
