Presidential shot in the arm for Harare pastors

Emmanuel Kafe

SOME 85 pastors, evangelists, church leaders and congregants in Harare have received business start-up capital under the Pastors4ED Presidential Empowerment Revolving Fund, a scheme designed to promote economic self-reliance and strengthen the church’s role in national development.

The disbursements, totalling more than US$20 000 for Harare province, were handed over on Wednesday at Raylton Sports Club.

The support forms part of a wider US$200 000 national package.

Pastors4ED is an affiliate of the ruling party – ZANU PF – operating under the banner Pastors for Economic Development.

It is one of several social groupings aligned with Government that have been incorporated into the revolving fund programme.

National founding chairperson of Pastors4ED, Dr Idiraishe Dongo, said the initiative was a direct response to President Mnangagwa’s call to economically empower churches and position them as partners in the country’s development agenda.

“Churches command large followings, are rooted in communities, and often act as moral and social anchors,” she said.

“Empowering them with resources not only promotes entrepreneurship, but also enhances their role in curbing unemployment, strengthening family livelihoods and contributing to the broader economy.

“We are fulfilling the President’s wish to empower churches through seed capital.”

Beneficiaries were drawn from Harare’s six Pastors4ED zones, with allocations determined by the strength and viability of submitted business plans.

Projects range from short-term income-generating activities to longer-term ventures.

“Harare is now the fifth province to benefit from the initiative, following other disbursements across the country,” she added.

ZANU PF Harare Metropolitan Province deputy political commissar, Cde Struggle Dzapasi, who was standing in for provincial chairperson Cde Godwills Masimirembwa, praised the initiative as a critical step toward achieving President Mnangagwa’s vision of transforming Zimbabwe into an upper middle-income economy by 2030.

“This has never happened before. He is a listening President who understands what people need to make life better,” said Cde Dzapasi.

“By empowering pastors, families and communities benefit, while social ills such as drug abuse and crime are reduced.”

One of the recipients, Ms Evelyn Takawira, said the support would transform her life.

“This will change our lives. We promise to work hard and repay the fund so others can also benefit,” she said.

The Pastors4ED scheme is part of the broader Presidential Empowerment Revolving Fund, which has extended support to other affiliates, including Vendors4ED, Cross-Border Traders4ED, Hairdressers4ED, and the Children of Zimbabwe Liberation War Veterans Association.