Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
Vice President General Retired Dr Constantino Chiwenga has reiterated the need for youths to shun violence and drug abuse saying the two vices are retrogressive to national development.
Vice President Chiwenga made the call this Friday as he led a fundraising dinner dance for the Roman Catholic youths expected to attend the World Youths Day celebrations in Lisbon, Portugal this year.
The Vice President, who donated US$15 000 at the event spoke on the importance of promoting exposure and encouraging fellowship as opposed to drug abuse.
“This will go a long way in promoting exposure in our young people. I, therefore, urge the young people from Mutare who will be participating in this international gathering to use this opportunity as a stepping stone for their own spiritual and social growth. Exposure is vital, especially for you, young people. The founder of the World Youth Day celebrations, Saint John Paul II, once remarked, ‘Young People, do not be afraid to risk your life with the Lord Jesus Christ’. Contrary to this invitation, today’s young people are risking their lives with drugs and other toxic elements. We can not afford as a church and as a nation to tolerate this misdirected and self-destructive behaviour. I, therefore, call upon all those who work with our young people, be it in the church to engage rigorously with the young people in trying to help them shun drugs that destroy the lives of scores of young people.
With the national elections fast approaching, Vice President Chiwenga implored the youths to shun violence.
“Let me hasten to remind you that this year Zimbabwe will be holding harmonised elections. May I bring to your attention, especially young people here present, and the rest of the country: Do not be used by some misguided politicians to engage in violence for the political mileage of unscrupulous politicians. We boldly say no, no, no to political violence. Peace, love unity and harmony is what we desire. Let us work together with the church and the state in promoting peace, peace, peace. Peace begins with me; peace begins with you and peace begins with all of us. Don’t be used.”
The Lordship president of the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference and Bishop of Mutare, Sekuru Paul Haron is grateful for the support and challenged the youths to live exemplary lives and value peace before, during and after the national elections.
“My request is for the team travelling to Portugal is for you to bring back to us the positives from your trip. As we approach the elections months in Zimbabwe, please let’s intercede for our country for peace to prevail during the elections cycle,” he said.
A number of people including the Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Nokuthula Matsikenyere donated and made pledges as the local community support the church initiative.
The gracing of the fundraising dinner by Vice President Chiwenga is a testimony of the symbiotic relationship between the church and government.
