Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa
Senior Reporter
FIRST Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa yesterday convened nationwide church leaders and representatives of the Muslim community at Zimbabwe House to pray and offer comfort to Mr Ronald Mujuru following the tragic loss of his wife and children.
The solemn gathering, which drew faith leaders from diverse denominations and religious backgrounds who responded quickly at short notice, was a powerful reminder that, in moments of profound grief, the nation’s strength lies in unity, shared humanity and unwavering faith.
Several religious leaders from Apostolic and Zion sects, Pentecostal churches, traditional and mainline churches, as well as Muslim representatives from all the country’s 10 provinces, lifted their voices in prayer, calling for divine strength, healing and comfort upon the bereaved family.
With hearts heavy yet hopeful, the leaders urged Mr Mujuru to remain steadfast, assuring him that he was not alone, but surrounded by a nation that mourns with him and stands ready to support him through the storm.
Mr Mujuru attended with his family, including his mother, two sisters, a friend and other close relatives.
In a deeply emotional atmosphere, hymns, songs and dance filled Zimbabwe House as church leaders took turns delivering stirring messages of encouragement, while representatives of different faiths later joined hands in a collective prayer a rare and touching display of unity that transcended doctrine and denomination.
During the words of comfort, several biblical passages were quoted, including the story of Job, who lost everything despite his faithfulness yet was upheld by God, and the account of King David, who also mourned the loss of a child, among others.
Faith leaders hailed the First Lady for her compassion and for bringing together Zimbabwe’s spiritual voices in a gesture that reflected the enduring values of love, peace, and solidarity virtues shared across all faiths.
Condolence contributions, in cash and in kind, were also made to Ronald as a gesture of sympathy and support.
The meeting, which began early in the morning and continued until lunchtime, comes barely a day after Dr Mnangagwa visited Mr Mujuru at his Harare residence, where she personally conveyed her condolences and offered emotional support to him and his relatives.
Speaking at Zimbabwe House, Dr Mnangagwa, affectionately known as Mother Zimbabwe, said the tragedy had pierced the nation’s heart and called upon Zimbabweans to remain united and compassionate, especially when one of their own is overwhelmed by sorrow.
The First Lady said she had been speaking to Ronald every day, offering him comfort, but he and his family were not even aware that such a gathering had been planned to uplift their spirits.
Dr Mnangagwa thanked the faith-based organisations for responding to the call to comfort Ronald, commending them for the highest respect they had shown, and expressed appreciation for the honour and regard they consistently extend, even to President Dr Mnangagwa.
“I was deeply heartbroken by the tragedy, and I felt it was important to invite religious leaders so that we could come together and support Ronald,” she said.
“The loss was immense, even for adults, and no one, regardless of age, could fully comprehend it. Ronald, may you be comforted in your heart; all those here and at home who are thinking of you stand with you.”
Dr Mnangagwa encouraged the religious leaders to continue supporting Ronald, not to abandon him as he seeks closure, and to remain with him in prayer, for one day he will be a testimony to the entire nation. The First Lady said faith remains a strong pillar in times of despair, saying prayer carries healing power and offers strength when human words are no longer sufficient.
“Each church has spoken from the heart. Thank you for your love and for the words you shared with the family,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa also advised Ronald not to be distracted by social media, which can carry both uplifting messages and discouraging content, and encouraged him to focus on the positive support and goodwill being shared.
Ronald’s sister, Nyaradzo Mujuru, said the family is still coming to terms with the tragedy and trying to find strength, and they are deeply grateful for the support they have received from the First Family.
“Indeed, we feel comforted, our hearts are slowly healing, and we never imagined we would reach a point where we would be comforted like this,” she said.
“May God lift your blessings higher, our First Lady. I want to thank you for everything you have done. Please accept our heartfelt gratitude. Also, extend our thanks to the President for this love.”
Nyaradzo also expressed gratitude to the churches and Ronald’s friends for their prayers and support, and thanked all religious communities who mourned alongside the Mujuru family.
She further said that last Thursday, the family did not fully grasp the depth of the tragedy, only learning of it through sensitive images that circulated on social media, showing her sister-in-law’s head chopped.
Mr Mujuru’s mother said that when the accident occurred, some details were initially withheld from her, and she later realised the painful truth when it was already too late. She added that her greatest concern thereafter was her son Ronald, wondering how best to comfort and support him following the devastating loss.
Ronald’s mother, however, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the First Lady for personally visiting and consoling her son, describing the gesture as one of rare kindness and motherly compassion.
“I used to see such things on television, with the First Lady visiting the downtrodden, including orphans, and never thought we would ever face a moment like this. Please do not do this only for us, but for everyone,” she said.
The gathering ended on a reverent note, with united prayers for comfort, healing, and renewed strength for Mr Mujuru and his extended family.
Everyone in attendance walked away with a food hamper, courtesy of Mother Zimbabwe. The fatal accident that claimed Ronald’s wife and five children occurred on Thursday at the 246 km peg while the family was travelling to Zvishavane for a church conference.
Reports indicate that the family was travelling in a Toyota Corolla when it was involved in a head-on collision with a truck, resulting in the death of all six occupants in the vehicle.
