Sidumisile Mabena
Gibson Mhaka, [email protected]
THE long-standing revolutionary bond between Zimbabwe and Zambia has moved beyond the battlefield into a spiritual alliance aimed at fostering national character and purity, Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial chairperson Cde Jabulani Sibanda has said.
Speaking during the launch of the Council of Churches in Africa (CCA) 2026 theme, “Culture of Purity — A Divine Blueprint for Pastors and Families”, held at a local hotel on Saturday evening where he was the guest of honour, Cde Sibanda said the liberation struggle, which saw Zimbabwe and Zambia fighting side by side, was a “duty before God” that laid the foundation for the current spiritual collaboration.
“We fought geographically, and we succeeded.
“That is why I am very proud of the Zambian bishop and president of the organisation who is here in support of his fellow president in Zimbabwe,” Cde Sibanda said.
“First, we fought physically on the ground because that was our duty before God, so that we appreciate that which God gave us — our continent, Africa and our country, Zimbabwe.”
Cde Sibanda said that, having fulfilled the “earthly expectations” of liberation, the two nations must now focus on a spiritual ascension that demands high moral character.
“And now we need spiritually to go up in heaven, but having done our responsibility to our earthly expectations, as God expects us.
“That is why we have got Archbishop Dr Rocky Moyo, the CCA founder and president, with his team, bringing all pastors together, so that we not only worship together, but go forward together,” he added.
Cde Sibanda also took the opportunity to define the intersection between individual character and societal freedom.
He warned that the “Culture of Purity” must be reflected in how citizens conduct themselves, noting that freedom is not a licence for lawlessness.
“Character is the product of the activity of the human brain.
“You must understand your character and conduct yourself in an expected way.
“Freedom does not mean you do what you want. There is no one who has the right to do what they want in a society.
“People have the right to do that which is ought, that which is expected of them. That is our culture with God,” Cde Sibanda said.
Dr Moyo underscored the need for indigenous churches to partner with governments to drive the African Union’s developmental goals.
He stressed that the “Culture of Purity” was a prerequisite for the “stability of families” and the “health of the church”.
Echoing these sentiments, CCA Zambian Chapter president Bishop Dr Brian Kalikiti said the shared values of holiness and unity would continue to transform the region.
“In Zambia, we have seen the transformative power of purity in the lives of pastors and their families, and we are excited to see it spread across Africa.
“Our churches are beacons of hope, promoting peace, unity and social justice,” Bishop Kalikiti said.
The launch ended with a call for multi-stakeholder engagements to advance the social, economic and political progress of both nations, anchored by a disciplined and “pure” citizenry.
Online Reporter