Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa-Mashonaland East Bureau
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has called on members of the African Apostolic Church to uphold unity, remain focused and continue growing the church, saying this would honour the vision of its founder, the late Archbishop Paul Mwazha.
The President made the remarks in a speech delivered on his behalf by Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tinomuda Machakaire during the church’s annual conference on Saturday.
Also in attendance was Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Itayi Ndudzo.
In his address, President Mnangagwa said he had hoped to attend the gathering but was unable to do so because of other official commitments.
“It was going to be a pleasure to be joining you at this gathering. I wanted to be with you on your special day, but due to other commitments I could not be with you.
“But I will be with you at some of your events in the future,” he said.
The President said he had enjoyed a close personal relationship with Archbishop Mwazha and expressed his desire to maintain cordial relations that existed between Government and the Church.
“I shared cordial relations with Archbishop Paul Mwazha. We were close. He was my friend. So, it is my wish for that relationship to continue, just as it was when Mutumwa Paul Mwazha was alive.
“My wish is that if this church faces any challenge, you must not hesitate to tell me. You must always have love, compassion and be forgiving,” he said.
President Mnangagwa urged the congregation to preserve the values of unity and discipline that the late church leader championed.
“Mutumwa Paul Mwazha was a man who valued unity. He was a focused man. Therefore, I want this church to be united. Work hard and ensure the church grows. This was the late Archbishop Mwazha’s dream,” he said.
He also commended the church for instilling discipline among its members, particularly young people, saying this had helped them resist drug and substance abuse.
“We are aware that this church instils discipline in its congregants, and this is why youths in particular from this church are always desisting from or shunning drug and substance abuse, and I want to applaud them for that,” he said.
As a gesture of support, President Mnangagwa donated US$50 000 towards the church’s operations.
“This is towards advancing the works of the church,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, Bishop Masimba Mwazha said the church would continue working closely with Government, adding that the two shared a common vision of serving and uplifting communities.
