Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on the church to promote a culture of hard work and productivity across all sectors of the economy as Zimbabwe advances towards the attainment of Vision 2030.
The President made the remarks while addressing thousands of members of the Johane Marange Apostolic Church during the church’s annual Passover Camp at St Noah’s Shrine in Mafararikwa on Saturday.
The annual gathering, which began on July 8, brought together congregants from across Zimbabwe and other African countries for worship and fellowship.
“Ndinokutendai mese nekuti gamuchira kwamaita. It pleases God when we meet in unity to pray for our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe. Jehovah vanofarakana vatendi tichisangana, takabatana, tichinamatira nyika yavakatopa tisina kukumbira. From Plumtree to Mutare, from Beitbridge to Chirundu, tinoti Ebeneezer Mwari vatisvitsa pano. Senyika, takabatana, rine runyararo nebudiriro. It is the Almighty God who helps,” he said.
President Dr Mnangagwa commended the relationship between the Johane Marange Apostolic Church and the Government, saying it continues to contribute to nation-building.
“Hukama hwekereke ino neHurumende neMusangano wedu weZANU PF hunokudzwa. Tinotenda rutsigiro rwenyu. Hukama uhu ngaurambe hwakasimba, tichivaka nyika yekwedu pamwe chete. From Zambezi to Limpopo, Plumtree to Mutare, we are one people, a united country singing one national anthem. SeNyika inokudza Mwari, inoda runyararo, tinoramba tichisimbiswa neshoko rehupenyu rinoti muna vaHeburo ngatibvisei mitoro yose nechivi chinotikurira, ngatimhanye nemoyo murefu, tichitarira kuna Jesu. Rugare,” he said.
The President said the church has an important role to play in encouraging diligence and honest work as the country pursues Vision 2030.
“Our nation is marching on to Vision 2030. I challenge the Church to make its voice loud and encourage hard, honest work and productivity in all sectors, as we develop our country,” he said.
President Dr Mnangagwa said his administration will continue implementing measures aimed at creating an enabling environment for businesses to grow and increase production.
“On its part, my Government is removing bottlenecks which hinder increased production and the growth of small businesses. Hurumende icharamba ichidzikisa mitero yema licences and levies kuti vanhu vawane kushanda zvakareruka,” he said.
The President also welcomed congregants from across the continent, saying Zimbabwe would continue to receive visitors with open arms.
“As you go back to your various destinations, travel well. Zimbabwe will always welcome visitors,” he said.
The annual Passover Camp brought together members of the Johane Marange Apostolic Church from Zimbabwe and across Africa.
