Indigenous churches commended for supporting national development
Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
GOVERNMENT has commended indigenous churches, including ZAOGA Forward in Faith International, for complementing national development efforts through programmes that promote improved livelihoods and sustainable community empowerment across the country.
Hundreds of congregants gathered at Mucheke Grounds in Masvingo for the church’s Provincial Big Sunday, where the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo Province, Honourable Ezra Chadzamira, applauded the church’s role in supporting Government initiatives across various sectors, including education, infrastructure development and agriculture.
Honourable Chadzamira said indigenous churches are playing a critical role in promoting peace and national unity.
“This church is complementing Government efforts in promoting peace and national unity. We therefore applaud His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, and the Second Republic for creating an enabling environment where churches have freedom of worship. On July 5, 2023, Archbishop Ezekiel Handinawangu Guti was promoted to glory after planting many churches across the globe. We salute his deeds and determination in uplifting the lives of many people, and indeed we welcome Dr Joseph Joe Guti to continue the legacy faithfully and prayerfully,” he said.
The church’s leader, Archbishop Joel Guti, addressed the Masvingo congregation for the first time since his ordination, reaffirming the church’s commitment to spiritual guidance and socio-economic development.
“ZAOGA is there to preach peace in the country and we continue to be the salt and light of the Earth. We continue to support Government in various sectors of the economy, including education, where we are building schools, technical colleges and universities. Again, we are there to support and pray for our country in fighting drug and substance abuse, which is ravaging our youths,” he said.
At provincial level, the church is spearheading several development programmes focusing on empowerment, education and community support initiatives.
Founded by the late Archbishop Guti, ZAOGA Forward in Faith International remains one of the indigenous churches actively supporting national development efforts. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has previously described the relationship between the Church and Government as symbiotic, underscoring the role of faith-based organisations in advancing the country’s development agenda.
