Salvation Army commended

Munyaradzi Musiiwa Midlands Correspondent
Midlands Minister of State Jason Machaya has commended the Salvation Army for complementing Government efforts in the provision and promotion of education in the Midlands Province.

Speaking during the church’s Midlands division 125 years flag celebrations over the weekend, Cde Machaya commended the Salvation Army for complementing Government efforts in promoting education by constructing schools in and around the Midlands capital, Gweru.

In a speech read on his behalf by district administrator Mr Peter Mahlatini on Sunday, Minister Machaya said the Salvation Army had constructed 10 schools in the Midlands Province.

“This church was established in Zimbabwe in 1891 when pioneers came in and, was established in Gweru in 1896.

“Its headquarters were at number 46 Gordon Street, Athlone, from Mutapa, Mambo area. It spread to all corners after the Land Tenure Act of the colonial regime in the 1950s, which saw the end of the Rhodesdale (Rhoseday), which spread to as far as Hurungwe, Sanyati, Gokwe and Zhombe.

“Over the years, it established many schools within Gweru and the province. These included Gweru Day School, Zviseko, Boulder, Chiwundura, Dubugwana/Nyabango, Budhe, Todyana, Dombotombo and Mujibha in Gokwe. This is clear testimony of its good work,” he said.

Minister Machaya commended churches for the important role they play through the promotion of peace, unity, health and education.

“Churches should continue playing a pivotal role in our society, to promote Government systems, policies, promotion of peace and unity as outlined in our Zim-Asset document, where Government publicly declares freedom of worship and promotion of human rights. It is important to appreciate that church and Government play complementary roles to promote basic things like peace, unity, health and education,” he said.

The Salvation Army in Zimbabwe is this year celebrating the 125-year pass on flag with a territorial congress scheduled to be held in Harare from September 29 to October 2.