marble nkomo
Nyore Madzianike in Masvingo
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has praised churches for their growing role as partners in national development, highlighting their active participation in Government programmes and community‑driven initiatives. He made the remarks at the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) Easter celebrations at Mbungo Estates in Masvingo Province, where he urged congregants to remain steadfast in promoting peace, love and unity across the nation.
The ZCC is led by His Grace Dr Nehemiah Mutendi.
President Mnangagwa described the church as a dependable partner in development and expressed appreciation for the invitation to attend the Easter service.
“It is with great humility and profound sense of pride, that together with my family and colleagues from Government, as well as representatives of industry, we come here to this sacred shrine of the Zion Christian Church, Mbungo, famously known among you as the ‘City of Peace’ to fellowship and worship with you at this special Easter Church Service.
“Since its establishment, the Zion Christian Church remains one of our dependable and reliable partners in development, including in various sectors such as agriculture, education and tourism, among others.”
The President said Easter celebrations should be viewed as a call to action rooted in Christ’s teachings of peace, love and forgiveness.
“This is not merely a statement, but a call to action,” he said.
He encouraged citizens to embody love and peace in a world increasingly affected by conflict, disruptions and climate change induced natural disasters, as well as the negative effects of illegal sanctions imposed by the West at the turn of the millennium.
“Against these realities, we must remain vigilant, focused and hard-working, insulating our economy as well as addressing any vulnerabilities. Colossians 4 verse 2 says in summary, we must continue to devote ourselves to prayer, being alert and watchful as well as giving thanks to the Lord Almighty.
“Through prayer and fervent interceding for our country, victory is certain for us to achieve our vision to be an empowered and prosperous upper-middle-income society. With God, nothing is impossible,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said Christ’s example of forgiveness should guide national unity and social cohesion. He said it is through this example that the nation finds a model to guide its interactions while consolidating the gains of peace and unity.
“As followers of Christ, we are called to extend that same forgiveness to those who hurt us, those with whom we disagree, and even those who seem beyond hope,” said the President.
He described love as a powerful instrument capable of breaking down barriers, dismantling hatred and fostering understanding.
“In our communities, where divisions can often feel insurmountable, we must remember that Christ’s love breaks down cultural, racial and social boundaries. As Head of State and President, I recognise the weight of our collective and individual responsibilities.
“I urge each one of you to recognise your capacity to influence and sustain the ongoing national development transformation. Sekuvakwa kwakaitwa Jerusarema idzva, we must all continue to play our part. Ibwe pamusoro perimwe ibwe,” he said, reiterating the national development philosophy, “Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/ Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo.”
President Mnangagwa also urged citizens to balance prayer with productivity.
“As we go about our daily lives, may we grow in understanding our dual role of serving the Almighty God, while honouring the responsibilities given to us to develop, modernise and industrialise our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe. I commend the Church in general, for mobilising congregants across the country to participate in our Government-led people-centred projects and programmes.
“Under the auspices of the Presidential Pfumvudza/ Intwasa Programme, Village Business Units and other empowerment programmes, we are a nation that is now capable of feeding itself and providing feedstock to our industries, while household incomes have generally been on a steady increase,” he said.
The President also said Easter serves as a reminder for citizens to be peacemakers. He said forgiveness remains the cornerstone of reconciliation, peace and harmonious relations.
“It is not a weakness or shortcoming, but an act of strength. When we forgive, we liberate ourselves from the burdens of bitterness, hatred and sheer resentment. As we move forward from this day of celebration, let us take this message of peace, love, and forgiveness into our everyday lives. Let us commit to building relationships that foster unity and understanding,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said kindness must be practised in homes, workplaces and communities, village by village. He also reminded citizens that every act of love “is a step toward peace”.
“As we celebrate Easter, let us be living testimonies of Christ’s love and forgiveness as well as securing the welfare of the vulnerable members in our society. The Bible in Matthew 25 verses 35 to 36 states that; ‘For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“This is our national character trait as an independent, free and sovereign people. The values of communalism, underpinned in the philosophy of Ubuntu/ Hunhu, should continue to perfect the righteous path of every one of us. Our light must shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father who is in heaven.”
He commended the ZCC for its contribution to education and agriculture, including the opening of three schools in 2026 and its role in wheat production.
“This is a welcome development. I also want to commend the Church for being one of the top farmers in Masvingo and a contributor to our record wheat harvest last season. Our aim as a country is not just to be self-sufficient in food but to be a net exporter and the breadbasket for the region.
“Tinotenda Mwari nekutikomborera nemvura yakawanda gore rino. Ndinoti kunemi mose vema Church, nemi ma Bishop, murambe muchikurudzira kubatana nerudo munyika yedu ye Zimbabwe,” he said.
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa consoled families that lost relatives in road accidents during the Easter holidays and urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads.
“Let us not take the peace we have in our beautiful nation for granted. It is disheartening that as we celebrate Easter, we are also mourning with those who lost their loved ones due to road traffic accidents.
As we go back home from the various places we are congregating, I urge all motorists to be extra careful,” he said.
The President concluded by urging the nation to embrace peace, love and forgiveness, quoting the late national hero and former Vice President John Landa Nkomo: “Peace begins with me, peace begins with you, peace begins with all of us.”
The celebrations drew congregants from South Africa, Mozambique and Zambia. Senior Government officials and Zanu-PF members also attended.
Online Reporter