Chronicle Editor
Nobukhosi Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter
THE Zion Bishops Conference of Zimbabwe has embarked on a series of entrepreneurial projects aimed at empowering its members and promoting self-sufficiency while also supporting the vulnerable.
Launched on 26 May by Bulawayo’s Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Judith Ncube, the Zion Bishops Conference of Zimbabwe has embarked on projects which include fish farming, poultry, beekeeping and market gardening.
The projects have been established at the respective church headquarters, to generate income and create jobs for members while enhancing sustainability at the church level.
Zion Bishops Conference of Zimbabwe’s inaugural president, Archbishop Dr Henry Ziwerere said the purpose of the projects is to uplift the living standards of the bishops, their congregants and the vulnerable.
“We are committed to uplifting the living standards of our members through sustainable projects because we believe in empowering our people to become self-reliant and contributors to the national economy,” he said.
Archbishop Ziwerere said they have partnered with landowners and developers to secure residential and church stands, with proceeds from marketing the stands funding their projects.
“As we market these residential stands, we are not only providing land for housing but also sowing seeds of prosperity and stability for our members and their families. We are building a foundation for generational wealth and a brighter future,” he said.
Archbishop Ziwerere added that they have engaged the Government in their endeavours and the support they will get from the Government will be instrumental in unlocking the potential of the projects as well as boost the economy.
“We approached the Government for pieces of land where we could empower our members as we work to anchor the Government’s thrust of attaining an upper-middle income economy by the year 2030. We aim to shape a brighter future for our members while contributing to the nation’s economic growth,” he said.
Archbishop Ziwerere said the Zion Bishops Conference of Zimbabwe aims to expand these projects to other churches and communities, promoting economic empowerment and spiritual growth.
“Our organisation’s mandate is to foster unity, co-existence, peace and tranquillity. These projects are expected to inspire other churches and communities to embrace entrepreneurship and self-sufficiency.”
He added that the projects feed into the broader national drive of having village business units that will support the rural industrialisation initiative.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter