Story by Tafara Chikumira
THE Zion Christian Church (ZCC) has thrown its weight behind Zimbabwe’s hosting of a successful SADC summit with the church leader committing to praying for peace during the event.
As Zimbabwe looks set to host the 44th SADC Summit in Harare this week, the ZCC says the event is a great opportunity for the country to foster regional integration and cooperation.
Addressing thousands of pilgrims at the church’s Defe shrine in Gokwe in honour of Zuva raSamuel Mutendi, church leader Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi pledged support for the country and President Mnangagwa who is assuming the chairmanship of the regional bloc during the summit.
“We want to wish Zimbabwe a success in hosting the SADC Summit. We need to pray for Africa and SADC in particular because all the leaders in the region will be here. We want to pray for our leaders so that the Lord be with them during this time. We want God to give them wisdom as they gather. It is a great moment for Zimbabwe,” he said.
President Mnangagwa, who was represented by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, fulfilled his promises of addressing the water crisis at the shrine and surrounding areas.
“I have been sent here by President Mnangagwa to tell you that in the past two years, His Grace, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi and His Excellency have been speaking and His Grace told His Excellency that thousands of congregants are now visiting this shrine every August. Therefore the a need for a permanent solution to address water challenges and so President Mnangagwa promised to address the situation. As you all know, Gokwe is known for low rainfall when we get it. Otherwise, it’s a dry place.
“So, the President gave you six boreholes and these are expected to give you water. The President said to look for a place where there is a river where we can construct a dam so that the congregants have enough water during their stay here. So, we now have identified the place for the construction of Defe Dam. Now we have a company that is starting on the construction of Defe Dam and construction should start very soon,” he said.
The event also witnessed 20 couples exchange wedding vows in a mass wedding. The Zuva raSamuel Mutendi is an annual event meant to celebrate the ZCC church’s founding father who died on the 20th of July 1976.
