Story by Wellington Makonese
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has called for the continued defence of Africa’s liberation, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, saying these values must remain protected while urging churches to play an even greater role in empowering communities and advancing Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
In a speech read on his behalf by Defence Minister Honourable Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri at the Johane the Fifth of Africa International Church Annual Convention at the church’s Holy Shrine in Mvuma on Saturday, President Mnangagwa said the Church’s values were aligned with Africa’s aspirations for self-determination and prosperity.
“I commend the Church for its sacred ideology which dovetails with the pan-African socio-economic values of Africa’s liberation, independence, self-determination, sovereignty and integrity. These values must be defended and safeguarded at all times. Let us continue to stand firm, and proclaim never again, to be constrained by the yoke of colonial bondage,” he said.
Held under the theme Season of Prayer for the Attainment of our National Vision 2030, the convention brought together delegates from Zimbabwe, Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia.
President Mnangagwa described Vision 2030 as a covenant and appointment with the future, and encouraged Zimbabweans to combine prayer with productive work to realise national development goals.
Quoting the biblical account of Nehemiah, he said, “Nehemiah… prayed, then he built the walls of Jerusalem,” adding that Zimbabweans should equally pray for peace while working to build the nation.
The President challenged the Johane the Fifth of Africa International Church leadership to accelerate programmes that equip women and young people with practical skills, entrepreneurship and opportunities to create wealth.
“I challenge the Presiding Archbishop and the Church leadership at large, to speed up the implementation of the plans for empowering the youth and women. Local entrepreneurship, wealth creation and economic emancipation…is the last frontier which we must harness towards complete independence, unity and integration of the African peoples,” he said.
President Mnangagwa commended the church’s Ruvheneko Trust for providing skills training, start-up kits, scholarships and business mentorship to women and young people, describing the initiative as a practical demonstration of faith that contributes to the production of quality Zimbabwean goods.
“When we empower women, we empower the family and nation. When we empower the youth, we have secured the future of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe. This is what Vision 2030 demands of us.”
The President said Government regarded the Church as a dependable development partner whose contribution extends beyond spiritual guidance to promoting peace, social cohesion and community development.
“Government welcomes the role which the Church plays as a critical, strategic and dependable development partner,” he said.
He praised the church for supporting Government efforts to combat drug and substance abuse, domestic and gender-based violence and other social challenges, while calling on religious leaders to continue promoting peace, hospitality and care for vulnerable members of society.
President Mnangagwa also appealed to church leaders to continue praying for peace, unity, national prosperity and favourable rains as Zimbabwe prepares for the next agricultural season.
He also commended organisers for integrating agriculture, agribusiness, fashion, arts, crafts and other productive sectors into the annual convention, saying the collaboration between Government and the Church would continue to strengthen national unity and accelerate the country’s development aspirations.
“Through such mutually beneficial and co-operative relationship of our ZANU PF-led Government and the Church, we shall continue to fellowship together, remain united and inspired towards realising our national development aspirations,” he said.
