Churches vital in development: Moyo

Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter

THE Government has reiterated that the church is an important institution that is key to the social economic development of the country.

This was said by the Minister of State for Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs Cde Richard Moyo in a speech read on his behalf by the deputy director in his office Mr Tapera Mugoriya at the end of the Apostolic Faith and Acts Church Conference in Mbembesi yesterday.

He said President Mnangagwa has implored and exalted all institutions, both at Government and non-governmental level to be vessels of peace and unity. Cde Moyo said these institutions must preach the gospel of peace all the time.

“To this end, I am alive for the need of the church to be engaged and involved in all our endeavours of developing our province and ultimately the nation of Zimbabwe,” he said.

Cde Moyo said the country was united in its diversity by the national anthem and one national flag. Cde Moyo said he was cognisant of the various social and economic initiatives being advanced by the Apostolic Faith and Acts Church and said they would build up on to programmes that are already being embarked on by Matabeleland North.

The church also handed more than R20 000 as school fees to students at Mqwashini and Cameroon primary schools and 40 litres of paint. Church representative Apostle Vusumuzi Mohalale said churches must not fleece communities around them.

“Churches must not find themselves fleecing communities that surround them of money and resources, instead they must step in and assist the communities in developing and also assist the Government of the day,” he said.

Apostolic Faith and Acts Church members during praise and worship at the church conference in Mbembesi yesterday.

Mr Tapiwa Zivovoi of the Umguza District Development Committee said the assistance that has been channelled into the education sector by the church will go a long way in reaching vision 2030 where Zimbabwe is aiming to become a middle-class economy. Also present at the conference was Chief Ndondo, church representatives from Zambia, South Africa, an Evangelist from the United States of America among the hundreds of congregants.