Online Reporter
Remember Deketeke
THE clergy should play an increasingly central role in accelerating Zimbabwe’s development, as they are well positioned to address social challenges and promote entrepreneurship within communities.
This was said by Presidential Investment Adviser Dr Paul Tungwarara yesterday during the launch of the Presidential Empowerment Fund for the clergy under the ZANU PF-affiliated group, Pastors for Economic Development (Pastors4ED).
Dr Tungwarara also handed over seed capital amounting to more than US$200 000 to the group, a move aimed at fostering self-reliance and empowering faith leaders to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Speaking at the launch in Harare, Dr Tungwarara said the funding, disbursed under a special empowerment initiative, signals a strategic shift in development policy by recognising the clergy as key players in both spiritual and economic transformation.
“This is not a donation; it is an investment in people who are already leading transformation from the pulpit,” he said.
“We believe that if pastors are economically empowered, they can multiply that empowerment within their communities.”
The programme, he said, is designed not just to support individual pastors but for community upliftment as well.
“We are saying to the church: your voice matters in the economy.
“Your dignity matters. And we are walking with you — not just in prayer, but in practical support,” added Dr Tungwarara.
“This fund will restore the dignity of both pastors and congregants as it will reduce cases of rape, child marriages and other illegal acts.”
ZANU PF Deputy National Political Commissar Cde Webster Shamu urged pastors to take a leading role in national development efforts.
“This fund is meant to ensure that all sectors, including the Church, contribute actively to the development of the smallest unit of society — the community,” he said.
“Pastors must take a leading role in ensuring the country achieves its national vision and aspirations.”
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Pastors for ED chairperson Ms Idirashe Dongo said the fund would build upon projects already initiated by the group.
“For the past few years, we have trained 105 000 pastors in entrepreneurship skills, smart agriculture, beekeeping, horticulture and more,” she said.
“This fund comes at a crucial time, as we now have the skills needed to help drive the economy forward.”
