Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo-Senior Reporter
VICE PRESIDENT Dr Kembo Mohadi has reaffirmed the Government’s recognition of the critical role of churches in national development, describing faith-based organisations as indispensable partners in promoting social cohesion, moral renewal, youth empowerment and economic transformation.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches (ZIICC) conference at White City Stadium in Bulawayo yesterday, Vice President Mohadi said churches continue to make significant contributions to nation-building that extend far beyond their spiritual mandate.
He commended ZIICC and its patron, Dr Nehemiah Mutendi, for their commitment to national development, social cohesion and spiritual renewal.
“The work of ZIICC exemplifies the important contribution of faith-based organisations in nation-building and community transformation,” said VP Mohadi.
He said the Second Republic, under President Mnangagwa, recognises churches as strategic development partners and remains committed to promoting freedom of worship, religious tolerance and constructive engagement between the Government and faith communities.
Zimbabwe’s Constitution, VP Mohadi noted, guarantees freedom of religion and conscience, acknowledging spiritual development as an integral component of human development.
He said churches have historically played a critical role in the country’s social and economic development through the provision of education, healthcare, social welfare services and humanitarian assistance.
“Long before the establishment of many modern social institutions, churches were already educating our children, caring for the sick, supporting vulnerable families and instilling values of honesty, integrity, discipline and compassion,” said VP Mohadi.
He said such values remain essential as Zimbabwe pursues Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which seek to transform the country into an upper middle-income economy.
“The successful realisation of Vision 2030 requires the participation of every sector of society, including the churches. Sustainable development cannot be achieved through economic interventions alone. It also requires a strong moral foundation, ethical leadership, responsible citizenship and social solidarity,” said VP Mohadi.
The Vice President singled out drug and substance abuse as one of the gravest challenges confronting the nation, particularly among young people.
He, however, applauded ZIICC for establishing 60 drug and substance abuse rehabilitation centres across the country’s 10 provinces, saying the initiative demonstrates the Church’s commitment to complementing Government efforts.
“This noble undertaking demonstrates the Church’s commitment to complementing Government efforts in addressing one of the most pressing social challenges of our time,” he said.
VP Mohadi pledged Government support towards rehabilitation, reintegration and youth empowerment programmes aimed at addressing the scourge.
He also hailed the launch of the Church Choirs Economic Empowerment Programme, saying the initiative dovetails with Government policies on youth empowerment, employment creation, entrepreneurship development and poverty reduction.
VP Mohadi said economic empowerment programmes that harness the talent, creativity and entrepreneurial potential of young people contribute significantly towards reducing inequality, improving household incomes and fostering inclusive economic growth.
Addressing young people directly, VP Mohadi urged them to reject drug and substance abuse and instead embrace opportunities that promote personal growth and national development.
“You are the custodians of Zimbabwe’s future. Your energy, innovation, faith and resilience will determine the trajectory of our nation in the years ahead,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, Dr Mutendi emphasised that churches are not political actors but custodians of peace, hope and moral guidance.
“As churches, we gather not as political actors, but as shepherds of souls, witnesses of hope and custodians of peace and servants of the moral conscience of our nation. Our calling is to pray, to guide, to heal, to reconcile and to remind the nation that where God is honoured, the future is unlimited,” he said.
Dr Mutendi described the conference theme, “Centred on Vision 2032 through unity, peace and economic empowerment”, as both timely and prophetic.
“Where wisdom lives, peace follows. Where unity stands, a nation becomes strong. And where God is honoured, the future is assured,” he said.
Zimbabwe’s election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, he said, carries with it an important responsibility to champion peace both at home and internationally.
“If Zimbabwe speaks for peace in the world, then Zimbabwe must also be a house of peace at home,” he said.
Describing peace as strength founded on wisdom rather than weakness, Dr Mutendi said: “Peace is not weakness. It is strength under wisdom. Peace is not the absence of conflict. It is dignity, respect, love and stability.”
Turning to national legislative processes, Dr Mutendi said churches were praying for wisdom and unity as Parliament considers Constitutional Amendment Bill No. 3, expressing hope that the proposed legislation would contribute to stability and sustained development.
“We are calling upon churches throughout the nation to pray that through divine help and wisdom, unity and peace shall prevail in our country,” he said.
He revealed that the Zion Christian Church had embarked on a 50-day fasting and prayer programme for peace, national leaders and Zimbabwe’s future, while encouraging other churches to undertake similar initiatives.
“When we pray for leaders, we do not dictate to them what to do. We pray that God gives them wisdom, courage, patience and discernment to make decisions that protect the people and strengthen our nation,” said Dr Mutendi.
He also called for zero tolerance towards drug and substance abuse, describing it as a threat to families, schools, churches and the country’s future.
“This is not only a social problem; it is a spiritual wound attacking families, schools, churches and the future of our nation. A wounded generation requires a united nation,” he said.
Dr Mutendi commended the efforts of First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa in assisting young people affected by drug and substance abuse and urged continued support for programmes aimed at protecting Zimbabwe’s youth.
