Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu
CHURCHES must move beyond their traditional spiritual role and become active partners in Zimbabwe’s economic and social development, President Mnangagwa has said.
Speaking at the National Spiritual Conference of the Johane Masowe Chishanu Church in Highfield yesterday, he said churches should actively participate in programmes under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), national clean-up campaigns and community development initiatives.
He called on religious organisations to help the Government tackle the scourge of drugs and substance abuse, poverty, crime and youth violence.
“Moving ahead towards the attainment of Vision 2030, I look forward to see all the churches of our beloved motherland playing their part in the programmes and projects outlined in the National Development Strategy 2,” he said.
President Mnangagwa urged churches to work closely with Government officials, local authorities and traditional leaders to drive development in their communities.
“All churches in the provinces should continue working with Ministers of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, all arms of Government, councils and traditional leaders as we develop our regions and provinces,” he said.
The President said such partnerships should also extend to national programmes such as the Government’s clean-up campaigns.
“I also invite the churches to collaborate with Government in all programmes, including the national clean-up campaigns for cleaner living and working spaces,” he said.
The President said churches had an even more urgent role to play in tackling social problems affecting Zimbabwean communities, particularly young people.
“I call upon the church to scale up programmes that fight the social vices in our society which include poverty, drugs and substance abuse, violence and crime, especially among the youth,” he said.
“In addition, I urge you to also help increase the number of vulnerable children that have access to education. Let us never neglect the widows and the elderly.”
President Mnangagwa said the Church must be a refuge for those in need.
“Imi vapostori, you worship freely; let the youth stay away from drugs. Let the Church be a refuge for children fleeing from evil,” he said.
The President called on churches to mobilise their congregations around food production and pray for adequate rainfall during the 2026/2027 agricultural season.
Although weather experts have warned of the possibility of an El Niño season, President Mnangagwa urged churches to join hands in praying for good rains while encouraging communities to increase agricultural production.
“Even though those responsible for weather forecasts say there could be an El Niño, we encourage you to join other churches in the country in praying for rain,” he said.
“We want our 2026/2027 agricultural season to be productive. Let us encourage one another wherever we are to farm intensively and fill our granaries.”
He said food security remained a national priority.
“Our households and country must continue to be food self-sufficient,” said the President.
He also used the gathering to reinforce the political relationship between the ruling ZANU PF and the Apostolic faith church.
“ZANU PF is going nowhere; it will continue ruling, ruling and ruling, Hallelujah.”
He said the Church was an important constituency for the ruling party, thanking it for supporting the process that resulted in the enactment of Constitutional Amendment No. 3.
He added that churches had an important role to play in supporting the country’s development agenda while the Government would continue protecting their right to worship.
“As the Government of the people of Zimbabwe . . . we will continue to uphold the principle that churches must always have the proper freedom to worship.”
The President also commended Johane Masowe Chishanu for its contribution to communities, including the donation of 570 hospital beds, 560 wheelchairs and other medical supplies.
He said the church’s involvement in promoting peace, unity and love was commendable and urged religious organisations to intensify their contribution to national development.
President Mnangagwa also recognised the philanthropic work of Johane Masowe Chishanu elder Madzibaba Wicknell Chivhayo, particularly his contributions to the church and wider community.
He said the country’s development could not be left to the Government alone.
“Let us continue to work hard for a strong partnership between the Church and State as we promote Godly values and the overall development of our motherland, Zimbabwe,” said President Mnangagwa.
The event was attended by Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Tino Machakaire, Presidential adviser Dr Paul Tungwarara, Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume and other senior officials.
