Online Reporter
Wallace Ruzvidzo, Zimpapers Reporter
THE Church must play its part in eradicating vices such as drug and substance abuse, crime, bullying, and other anti-social behaviours, President Mnangagwa has said.
Addressing thousands of Johane Masowe eChishanu Church members at State House in Harare yesterday, the President said the modern world is increasingly shaped by the negative effects of globalisation, making it essential for the youth to be raised on the foundations of God’s word and Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.
The gathering was also attended by First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, a lifelong member of the church.
“I call upon you, my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, and all the Churches of our great motherland, Zimbabwe, to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ, love, peace, unity and harmony. Let us raise our children and young people according to God’s word and our rich culture.
“Let us remain prayerful and work diligently for the prosperity and sustainable socio-economic development of our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe,” he said.
Under the Second Republic, President Mnangagwa said the Church is assured of continued Government support for programmes and projects related to education and training, agriculture, and entrepreneurial development — particularly among youth and women.
“Tose tinemutoro wekushandira Nyika yedu, nesimba, kumatunhu kwatiri ikoko. It is our collective duty to modernise, industrialise and grow our economy across all provinces and districts.
“We must build our cities and cultivate our land, produce the food we eat, manufacture the goods we use, the clothes we wear, and develop the technologies we rely on. Jehovah akatipa Nyika ino, tisinakukumbira — God gave us this land, and we must work it, build it, and develop it for the prosperity and well-being of all our people,” he said.
As a Government rooted in Christian values and the country’s rich heritage, President Mnangagwa said the Second Republic remains open to receiving godly guidance from the Church.
“Pava Rairiri vazhinji, ndipo panoruponeso,” he said.
The President then quoted scripture from the Bible.
“For it is written in Proverbs 11:14: ‘Where there is no counsel, the people fall; but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety,’” said President Mnangagwa.
He commended apostolic churches and the wider Church for their ongoing role in the economic, social, spiritual, and moral development of the nation.
“I equally commend the Church for helping to build strong families in a world increasingly affected by the negative impacts of globalisation, particularly on the youth and children. I therefore urge you all to intensify this focus and also address mental health issues affecting children and young people. The Church must play its part in tackling vices such as drug and substance abuse, crime, bullying, and other anti-social behaviours,” said the President.
He expressed satisfaction that Zimbabwe continues to maintain peace and unity—qualities essential for national development.
“Shoko raJehovah rinoti pana Mapisarema 133 verse 1: Tarirai, kunaka kwazvo nokufadza kwazvo Kana hama dzichigara pamwechete norugare. Kusangana kwedu kunoratidza kuti takabatana, tinodanana, tinoshuwira Nyika yedu budiro. Naizvozvo, Jehovah vanotikomborera.
“As we walk together as a united, peace-loving and hardworking people of our motherland—regardless of denomination—God will surely pour His blessings upon our land,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said under the Second Republic, Zimbabwe is making progress across all economic sectors.
The country is now food secure, thanks to Government agricultural policies and programmes such as Pfumvudza/Intwasa, the Winter Wheat Programme, and initiatives in agricultural mechanisation and irrigation development. Investments in the energy sector, road repair and modernisation, and dam construction are also ongoing.
The President noted with encouragement that many Church members are actively contributing to various sectors of the economy.
“We continue to depend on Jehovah God, and through hard work, we are building, modernising and industrialising our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe—brick by brick and stone upon stone.
“It is Almighty God who causes our plans to succeed. My Government is therefore grateful to the Church for its continued prayers, which have brought favour and success to our programmes and projects. Tinotenda minamato yekereke; minamato yeva tendi,” he said.
President Mnangagwa urged the nation to remain prayerful and committed to the country’s prosperity and sustainable socio-economic development.
“The word of God in 1st Timothy 2 verse 2 says: ‘Pray for those in authority so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in godliness and holiness.’ I therefore appeal for your prayers for our nation, Government, and every sector of the economy. Let us never neglect prayers for families, communities and our neighbours. From Zambezi to Limpopo, Plumtree to Mutare, we are one people, one Zimbabwe,” he said.
The President said he values opportunities to meet with Church members and leaders, as they are closely connected to the people and well aware of their needs and concerns.
“This meeting is yet another testimony of the unbreakable bond between the Government and the Church. You, as Church leaders, live among the people and interact with them regularly; you therefore hear their needs and concerns, which we must address together, guided by our development philosophy: Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo / Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo,” he said.
Minister of Defence, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, also acknowledged the Church’s critical role in nation-building.
