Churches happy with elections outcome, congratulate ED for victory

THE Council of Churches in Africa (CCA) has expressed satisfaction with the manner in which the just-ended elections were conducted and congratulated President Mnangagwa for securing a second term, saying it will enable him to continue driving the Second Republic towards attaining an upper middle-income economy by 2030.

In a statement, CCA founding leader Archbishop Dr Rocky Moyo said indigenous churches and other faith-based institutions were in solidarity with the President and his vision.

“The Bishops Council Executive, boards of governors (Apostolic, Zion and Pentecostal), partners, stakeholders, affiliates and entire congregants wish to extend their profound congratulations and express gratitude for the re-election of Cde Emmerson D Mnangagwa as the supreme leader of our motherland, Zimbabwe,” he said.

Archbishop Dr Moyo said the organisation respects and values the church’s voice and confidence in President Mnangagwa’s leadership and qualities, which unassumingly and ultimately have given him another constitutional extension to lead Zimbabwe.

He said following the re-election of President Mnangagwa, the council hopes to see him further metamorphose the country through transformative projects initiated through the Second Republic.

“As indigenous churches, we wish you all the best in your five-year term that the masses have assigned you. The churches are also looking forward to realise the other remaining projects which you have initiated including those that transform generations to come,” said Archbishop Dr Moyo.

“We have noted great strides which you have made so far and really appreciate your commitment in complementing the church’s roles promoting unity, peace and development of their respective communities.”

The Council of Churches in Africa is a non-profit faith-based ecumenical umbrella body for indigenous churches in Africa with the aim to promote love, peace and justice among churches through genuine dialogue and engagement in an effort to avoid church splits in the region.

President Mnangagwa will now see through his vision of creating a prosperous upper middle-income economy after he secured the mandate for a second term.

African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Cde Fikile Mbalula has congratulated Zanu-PF First Secretary and President, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa for winning the Presidential race during the August 23-24 harmonised elections.

President Mnangagwa secured 52,6 percent of the vote ahead of his closest rival, Mr Nelson Chamisa of the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) who got 44 percent.

The President, who got 2 350 711 votes against 1 967 343 that Mr Chamisa got, extended his winning margin from the 50,8 percent polled in 2018. The total votes cast were 4 561 221, representing a voter turnout of 68,9 percent.

There were 11 candidates who contested for the Presidential seat.

Posting on his official X (formerly Twitter) page, Cde Mbalula said: “Zanu-PF strong support on the ground. Congratulations. Viva President Mnangagwa.”

Speaking at a recent ANC national congress in the Western Cape, Cde Mbalula praised the Second Republic under the stewardship of President Mnangagwa for implementing reforms in the country saying the West led by the United States of

America are not satisfied because they want a puppet to rule Zimbabwe.

He said from the time of late former President Robert Mugabe, South Africa has maintained its stance against illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West.

Cde Mbalula said after the coming in of the Second Republic following Operation Restore Legacy in 2017, the West has not changed its agenda on Zimbabwe.

He said because of the ruinous sanctions, many Zimbabweans have migrated to South Africa.

Cde Mbalula said former South African President Thabo Mbeki opposed sanctions and the change of power through undemocratic processes.

President Mbeki once revealed that he opposed proposals by Western powers for an invasion of Zimbabwe to effect regime change.

ANC and Zanu-PF enjoy excellent fraternal relations dating back to the days of the liberation struggle.