Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa-Mutare Bureau
SIX community development projects donated by the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa to the Apostolic Ejuwel Jekenisheni Church in 2022 have had a significant impact on surrounding communities, with ZANU PF National Chairman, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri commending them for driving rural transformation.
Speaking at the church’s Passover Conference yesterday at the church’s Mabiya Shrine Headquarters in Chimanimani West, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, said the projects complemented national development targets.
“These projects are evidence of Government’s commitment to inclusive development and recognition of faith-based organisations as key partners. I am glad that the First Lady spearheaded these six projects, most of which are women empowerment projects.
“The projects are not only benefiting the church, but the whole community. This area is now a centre of excellence and this is what I have found from my assessment,” said Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri after her tour of the projects.
The projects include rural electrification, which now powers the church and four nearby schools, Derembwe Primary and Secondary, Mabiya Primary and Nyakunu Primary schools.
The institutions are now using electric lighting for the first time, enabling longer study hours and potential for digital learning tools. A solar-powered borehole was also installed, providing clean water for both the shrine and local villagers.
A four-hectare farm was also established under the same programme, where tomatoes and other crops are being grown at a commercial scale.
Cde Muchinguri-Kashiri said the borehole and farm projects support the Second Republic’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) pillar on food and nutrition security.
“The President is saying water is life. Let us complement the First Lady’s work by taking care of this borehole. Prioritise this resource, local leadership must play a role,” she said.
Other projects include a goat-rearing scheme, expected to receive 100 goats, a sewing initiative which is to be equipped with 33 sewing machines and church toilets. Women and young girls from the church are producing school uniforms and clothing for sale at local business centres and schools, according to project liaison officer for the church, Mr Eugene Manhanga.
He also confirmed that the benefits of the projects extend beyond congregants.
“Besides the elderly and orphaned that stay at the shrine, schools and community members are also largely benefiting. We would like to thank the First Lady for donating these to us as they have empowered the whole community,” he said.
Meanwhile, the church’s national chairperson, Mr Gwinyai Banganwa also revealed that the church is in the process of formalising a partnership with Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology.
“A Memorandum of Understanding is set to be signed to provide technical training and support for the agricultural and science-related projects.
“The university will soon come to the shrine to train our people on these projects and how we can turn them into not just income-generating projects, but companies and innovations,” he said.
He also said the First Lady’s 2022 visit was a turning point.
“What the First Lady did here is more than charity. It changed how we think and live. Children are now going to better schools, people have clean water and our women are making an income,” he said.
Thousands of congregants from Zimbabwe, Mozambique and South Africa attended the Passover Conference.
