Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
CHURCH leaders have commended President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa for championing programmes aimed at improving livelihoods and accelerating national development, while also congratulating Zimbabwe on its successful election to a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
The commendations came during separate courtesy calls by leaders of the African Apostolic Church and the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP) at State House in Harare on Wednesday.
The African Apostolic Church delegation expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa and the Government for the support extended following the death of the church’s founder and leader, Archbishop Paul Mwazha, last year.
The church also thanked the President for conferring National Hero status on the late religious leader.
Speaking after the meeting, African Apostolic Church representative Dr Masimba Mwazha said the visit provided an opportunity to personally convey the church’s appreciation.
“We came as a family to thank the President for assisting us following the death of Archbishop Paul Mwazha. We are grateful for the National Hero status accorded to him,” he said.
“We had not had the opportunity to personally thank the President, and we also came to pray for him in his role as Head of State.”
Church leaders also commended the Government’s development agenda, saying it was transforming communities and improving the welfare of citizens across the country.
Bishop Giles Rusike said the impact of Vision 2030 initiatives was increasingly visible in communities.
“There is Vision 2030, which is empowering people and transforming communities. The leadership has both the young and old at heart,” he said.
He also congratulated President Mnangagwa on Zimbabwe’s overwhelming victory in the race for a seat on the UN Security Council.
“We also want to congratulate the President on Zimbabwe’s election to the United Nations Security Council. It is a significant achievement for the country,” he added.
Meanwhile, the leadership of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (CCAP), led by Reverend Gibson Botomani, highlighted the importance of continued collaboration between churches and the Government in delivering services to communities.
“You cannot separate the church from the State. Both institutions complement each other in serving communities,” Reverend Botomani said.
“We provide education, health services, water and sanitation programmes, and we remain committed to supporting Government efforts in national development.”
The engagements reflected the growing partnership between faith-based organisations and the Government in advancing socio-economic development, improving service delivery and supporting community welfare initiatives.
They also come at a time when Zimbabwe is celebrating its election to the United Nations Security Council, a diplomatic milestone widely viewed as recognition of the country’s increasing engagement on regional and international affairs.
