Online Reporter
Sikhulekelani Moyo, Zimpapers Business Hub
GOVERNMENT, the church and the private sector will continue to work together to deliver transformative progress that unlocks opportunities for youths and women in different spheres of life.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube said this on Wednesday at the “Love Zimbabwe Festival Business and Government Executive Luncheon” held at a local hotel.
The event was hosted by the Global Network of Evangelists, along with other partners that include the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, African Enterprise Zimbabwe, Kubamba, Alpha Zimbabwe, One Hope, Every Home for Christ, WILD Zimbabwe, and Advance.
The luncheon was held ahead of the Love Zimbabwe Festival, which will be at Amavene Primary Sports Ground in Nkulumane starting today until September 31, where various talents and gifts will be showcased under the theme: “One Message, Many Expressions.”
In her remarks, Minister Ncube said the festival is not just an event but an opportunity for the nation to come together as a community, to celebrate shared values, and to showcase the incredible talents that exist in our midst.
She said the collaboration and unwavering support from the church have been pivotal in unleashing the power of different communities.
“Today, we gather to celebrate not only the spirit of love and collaboration but also the remarkable work accomplished through the unity of the Church and various community stakeholders,” said Minister Ncube.
“I would like to express my deep appreciation to the fraternal of Churches in Bulawayo, including the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ), the union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe and Africa (UDACIZA), the Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops Conference (ZCBC), and the Bulawayo Pastors Fraternal, as well as our independent church partners and the Global Network of Evangelists for your principles and values,” she said.
“Our youth face many challenges, including the pervasive issue of drug and substance abuse — an issue that the team has addressed.”
The festival features a range of activities, including e-clinics and medical assistance and free youth activities such as soccer tournaments and spiritual healing.
Different trainings have been conducted, including the Pastors and Church Leaders Renew Conference, the Innovative Evangelism Master Class, and the Advance Training, among others. Minister Ncube said these programmes are of great significance as they have equipped and refreshed the church leaders with invaluable skills, empowering them to serve more effectively in their communities and to better address the challenges being faced by youths.
“Over the past few months, we have witnessed the fruits of united efforts through various impactful programmes that have positively touched the lives of many in our community,” she said.
“Through empowerment trainings designed to equip our youth with vital skills, to the “Love the City” clean-up campaign that instils a sense of pride and ownership in our environment, we are addressing critical issues that affect our society.
“The outreach to schools has focused on pressing topics such as drug and substance abuse, peer pressure, and sexuality, all while promoting academic excellence among our youth.”
According to the organisers, the festival seeks to restore the love for Zimbabwe and strengthen each other in the word of God.
The Minister said the Government of Zimbabwe, under the leadership of His Excellency Dr E.D Mnangagwa, is in support of such great initiatives as the Love Zimbabwe Festival.
She said the nation understands the importance of such initiatives in fostering community spirit, promoting social cohesion, and empowering our people.
“Together, let us demonstrate the power of unity, love, and purpose and spread the gospel in a unique way,” added Minister Ncube.
“As we move forward, let us carry the spirit of this festival in our hearts and actions. May we continue to work together to uplift and empower our communities, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive and succeed, thus leaving no one and no place behind.”
