Story by Wellington Makonese
REGIONAL integration, peace and development took centre stage at the 2026 Annual Convention of the Johanne the Fifth of Africa International Church in Mvuma, where thousands of worshippers from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia gathered for the annual event.
Church leaders said faith-based organisations have a critical role in promoting peace, unity and stronger people-to-people relations across Southern Africa.
The convention attracted congregants from across the SADC region, reflecting the church’s growing regional presence and commitment to fostering cross-border solidarity.
“We are happy to be here in Zimbabwe and we ask you to pray for our people in South Africa who have gone rogue,” one congregant said.
A worshipper from Mozambique said: “We are growing as a church in Mozambique as a result of the love we are getting.”
A delegate from Botswana added: “We came as people of Botswana to pray here in Zimbabwe, a place of love.”
Another participant said: “Being here with brothers and sisters from Zambia and Botswana makes it worthwhile. We are praying for peace in our region.”
Founder of the Johanne the Fifth of Africa International Church, Archbishop Andby Makururu, urged citizens to promote peace, regional unity and support national development initiatives.
“Our prayer now is that CAA3 will see us having more development. We need to unite and build on this legislation that we worked for. We want this leadership to usher in development. We pray that we unite as a region. We saw what has been happening in South Africa. It requires the church to pray for peace. I’m happy we have all these countries here uniting for a common cause,” he said.
As Southern African governments continue to deepen regional integration through trade and infrastructure development, church leaders said faith-based organisations remain an important pillar in strengthening regional cohesion and promoting peaceful coexistence.
