Online Reporter
Farai Dauramanzi
Echo Editor
The Reformed Church in Zimbabwe’s (RCZ) ambitious volunteer-led Rural Congregations Transformation initiative is gathering momentum, bringing tangible change to rural communities.
The Mandara congregation in Bikita has become the second beneficiary of the programme, which seeks to uplift church infrastructure and living standards for clergy in remote areas.
A dedicated group of RCZ volunteers—including business leaders and professionals from Harare’s various church denominations—visited Mandara congregation in Bikita yesterday to deliver a comprehensive package of support.
The congregation received a 300-metre perimeter fence, roofing materials valued at US$3,000, a Starlink internet set, 100 chairs, building materials and labour for new toilets, complete painting of the church’s interior and exterior, upgraded toilets and bathrooms for the church house, a new lounge ceiling, and installation of burglar bars.
Further strengthening the initiative’s impact, the programme’s patron, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, donated a borehole set, providing the congregation with reliable access to clean water.
Mandara’s resident pastor, Reverend Matambo, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the gifts, highlighting the positive shift the initiative brings for clergy posted in rural communities.
“I am grateful for this programme as it will ensure that the lives of pastors in rural areas are improved. Most pastors hesitate to serve in rural communities, but with this noble initiative, things will definitely change for the better,” she said.
Central Deacon at Mandara, Mr Joseph Marevesa, welcomed the intervention, noting its timely response to the financial hurdles faced by rural congregations.
“This intervention comes at the right time because as rural congregations we face enormous financial challenges in running our church,” he said.
Mr Marevesa also emphasised the broader community impact of the programme.
“It is good that our children and community will not be left behind in the technological advancements happening across the country, as we now have internet access. The borehole will also enable us to start income-generating projects,” he said.
Chief Coordinator of the programme, Mr Tsungirirai Jeche, described the initiative as a practical expression of President Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind.
“This initiative is in line with President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 aimed at making sure that the country attains an upper-middle-income economy. We are very thankful to our patron, Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya, who is doing a lot to make this project a success.
“The programme is progressing well and will be extended to more rural congregations next year,” said Mr Jeche.
As the Rural Congregations Transformation initiative continues to expand, it promises not only to enhance church infrastructure, but also to improve the well-being of clergy and congregants, foster community development, and bridge the digital divide for rural Zimbabweans.
