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Herald Reporter
Apostolic sects are calling on congregants to vote only for ZANU PF and President Mnangagwa, in what they say is a fulfilment of God’s instruction.
They also called for peace in the build-up, during and after the elections. The call was made in Harare where thousands of Johanne Masowe Church members from different SADC countries have gathered in Epworth at Goshem Shrine for baptism.
The president of the African Peace, Council and International (APCI), Archbishop Johannes Ndanga, said they will pray for the 2023 harmonised elections and the removal of illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe, during their gathering.
“Jesus is the prince of peace. This is the time, election time, we should practice peace,” said Archbishop Ndanga.
“As a church we do not allow church members to vote for other political parties except ZANU PF because we need to remember that President Mnangagwa was put in that position by God and as such, we need to support him so as to fulfil God’s instruction. We must not divide our vote; so the church vote is needed in favour of ZANU PF.”
Archbishop Ndanga also the sects were fighting sanctions by engaging those countries that imposed them.
Western countries, principally the United States, imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe in anger following the redistribution of land to landless black people from the year 2000.
“We want to help our leaders in fighting these sanctions. Peace is needed to promote development,” he said.
A leader of Johanne Masowe eChishanu Jerusalem, Madzibaba Elisha Gwaze, said it was prophesied a long ago that Zimbabwe shall be ruled by a black man.
“This was referring to ZANU PF and its ideology was to build Zimbabwe and its people. We should pray for our country to ensure peace and unity,” he said.
Johanne Masowe eJerusalem prophet Madzibaba Biggie Mutau said the church doctrine encouraged them to support the Government of the day.
“All churches will be here for baptism. We are here to support the development of our nation. As church leaders, we emphasise on peace because God manifests himself in a peaceful environment.
“We encourage people to always stay peaceful in these beautiful times we are now facing. No violence and hatred is also needed. We always know that we support the one who was chosen by God.
“Peace begins with me and spreads to other people,” he said.
Zanu PF Harare Provincial Commissar Cde Kudakwashe Damson said he was happy that apostolic churches were supporting the Government.
“As a party we work hand in hand with these apostolic churches because we have a good mind-set which is critical in the development of our nation. “Our God is a God of peace; hence we need to uphold that. Development comes from unity and peace. We applaud these church members for praying together in a peaceful manner,” he said.
President Mnangagwa has repeatedly called on all Zimbabweans to shun violence and vote for peace, which is a key ingredient for development.
Online Reporter