Story by Theophilus Chuma
THE Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Honourable Barbra Rwodzi, has toured the Johane Masowe eChishanu shrine in Chirumhanzu, Midlands Province, ahead of the church’s annual pilgrimage scheduled for August.
The shrine is expected to host hundreds of thousands of congregants from across Zimbabwe, the SADC region and the diaspora, reinforcing its status as one of the country’s largest annual faith-based gatherings.
Speaking after the tour, Minister Rwodzi said the pilgrimage has evolved into a major religious tourism event that supports Government’s domestic tourism and cultural heritage agenda.
“Johane Masowe eChishanu is one of Zimbabwe’s largest faith-based gatherings. When hundreds of thousands travel to Chirumhanzu in August, they also use transport, accommodation, food services and local crafts. That is tourism, and it must be supported to be economically beneficial to the community,” she said.
Church leaders welcomed the Government’s engagement, saying it reflects recognition of the significance of the pilgrimage to Zimbabwe’s cultural and spiritual landscape.
“We appreciate the continued support from our Government. This shows how much the country puts religious freedom at the centre of its governance systems. This is also an opportunity for spiritual renewal, communal solidarity and strengthened ties among members of the church worldwide,” said Johane Masowe eChishanu leader, Madzibaba Owen Chingondi.
The annual pilgrimage, which features prayer, fasting, night vigils and testimonies, is expected to attract hundreds of thousands of worshippers to Chirumhanzu in August.
