Online Reporter
Zvamaida Murwira [email protected]
GOVERNMENT is committed to creating an enabling environment for churches to exercise freedom of worship so that they not only flourish but also play their part in socio-economic activities to modernise and industrialise the country, President Mnangagwa has said.
Speaking while officially opening new church buildings for Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) at the Zimbabwe Vineyard Church Assembly in Norton yesterday, President Mnangagwa said churches had always been dependable partners in the country’s national development in the quest to attain an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
The state-of-the-art two-storey, 1 000-seater church building was constructed with the help of President Mnangagwa, who provided financial support.
Yesterday, he also donated a 30-seater bus and two vehicles for use at the church.
“To the national leadership of the AFM, I once again commend you for the good relations between AFM in Zimbabwe and my Government. On our part as a people-centred Government, we commit to creating an enabling environment for the freedom of worship and ensuring that churches can flourish across various socio-economic endeavours,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Religious institutions can be assured of Government support as they play their part towards the realisation of the ongoing quest to lift many of our communities into prosperity and entrenching sound cultural norms and national values.”
He said there was a need to remain as a peace-loving nation for the achievement of national objectives.
“Together, as a peace-loving people and God-fearing nation, let us never tire in building, modernising and industrialising our motherland, Zimbabwe. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all, now and forever more,” said President Mnangagwa.
He described the church as critical in shaping communities, in particular the attainment of unity.
“The AFM in Zimbabwe, along with other churches and denominations, are dependable partners in our ongoing national development agenda. It is where character is shaped, families strengthened, and communities unite,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Your role in supporting the vulnerable and widows, guiding the youth, comforting the sick and preaching the gospel of peace should be expanded in support of the people-centred programme and projects of Government. The attainment of Vision 2030 towards a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society needs all of us to work in one accord.”
He commended the leadership of the AFM in Zimbabwe for the stewardship that they continued to show in guiding the church through seasons of growth and transformation.
“The 2026 theme, “The year of excellence and impact,” is an important exhortation towards serving well in all that we do for the greater good. Individually we were created for a purpose and collectively, we have a duty to harness our different gifts in a way that gives glory to the Almighty God. We must be the salt of the earth, and the light of the world,” said President Mnangagwa, quoting the Bible.
He said at a time when the nation, communities and families are searching for life answers, AFM and other churches should continue to “pursue the Great Commission, never growing weary in doing good for the expression and growth of the Kingdom of God”.
The President said the church had a huge role in observance of peace and unity in communities.
“The church is further challenged to amplify the current calls for national peace, unity and sustainable national development. Semakereke emunyika ose, ngatiparidzei runyararo, kubatana, nekushanda nesimba kuti nyika yedu ibudirire. Tenzi akati muna Genesis 3 verse 19, Uchadya zvokudya zvako neziya rechiso chako,” said President Mnangagwa.
He congratulated Pastor Shame Mupunga and the entire congregation at the Vineyard Assembly for the successful completion of the church building.
“The dedication, tireless labour, unity of purpose, faith and prayers have seen you realise this success. It is my expectation that the assembly will be a beacon of light where many people from
Norton and surrounding areas will come to be nurtured and equipped for the Christian faith as well as to be guided to live out their purpose for the good of our communities and the country as a whole”.
President Mnangagwa urged the church to scale up its outreach programmes, particularly targeting young people.
“Community discipleship, support and transformed lives should be evident among those who pass through the gates of this church and your missionary work. I particularly exhort you to scale up outreaches for vibrant youth and young adults so that more of our young people follow the Christian faith,” he said.
“Equally, I urge my fellow countrymen and women, the young and the elderly alike, to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all things shall be added unto us. We must nurture spiritual growth, prepare and equip ourselves for works that are pleasing to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”
President Mnangagwa said he was happy to have made his contribution to the construction of the church.
“I am pleased to advise that I had the gracious opportunity to donate resources to AFM in Zimbabwe towards the construction of this building. In addition, I am handing over a brand-new 30-seater bus to the Vineyard Assembly and a vehicle for the church’s outreach programmes,” he said.
“I trust that these assets will enable the church to meet the vital spiritual needs in this growing community to reach the sick and vulnerable with greater efficiency.”
The event was attended by Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, National State Security Minister Lovemore Matuke, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for
Mashonaland West Cde Marian Chombo, Zanu-PF Mashonaland West provincial leadership led by chairperson Cde Mary Mliswa-Chikoka, AFM in Zimbabwe leadership led by its president, Bishop Amon Madawo, among others.
