Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
A GROWING wave of faith-based empowerment and relationship conferences is reshaping Zimbabwe’s religious and social landscape, with major Christian singles gatherings expected to attract hundreds of participants to Victoria Falls and Harare in the coming weeks.
This comes as churches and faith-driven organisations increasingly combine spiritual mentorship, emotional healing, entrepreneurship and domestic tourism in programmes targeting single adults, widows, widowers, divorced persons and young professionals navigating modern social pressures.
The flagship gathering, the Singles Global Retreat, will be held in Victoria Falls from May 29 to 31 under the leadership of Bishop Dr Master Coach Aderino Nyabanga, founder of God’s Generals International Fraternity, Legacy Builders Global Hub and Daybreak International Ministries.
The retreat is expected to attract delegates from across Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries for three days of leadership teachings, tourism activities, networking sessions and empowerment programmes in one of Africa’s leading tourism destinations.
Organisers say the event seeks to create a holistic environment where participants can pursue spiritual growth, emotional restoration, entrepreneurship and healthy relationships while also promoting domestic tourism and social interaction.
The retreat comes amid growing recognition of Bishop Nyabanga’s influence in leadership development, entrepreneurship training and community transformation initiatives across Zimbabwe. Through Legacy Builders Global Hub and associated programmes, Bishop Nyabanga has spearheaded business mentorship seminars and empowerment projects aimed at encouraging self-reliance and entrepreneurship among communities and church leaders.
Speaking ahead of the Victoria Falls gathering, Bishop Nyabanga said the retreat was designed to respond to emotional, spiritual and economic challenges affecting many single people in society.
“This is not merely a social outing or a holiday event. It is a transformational platform meant to restore confidence, unlock purpose and create opportunities for healthy relationships, mentorship and personal growth,” he said.
“We are witnessing many people silently battling loneliness, emotional wounds, hopelessness and lack of direction. Through this retreat, we want people to encounter healing, wisdom, restoration and practical empowerment that can reposition their lives.”
He said the programme would also expose participants to entrepreneurship opportunities, networking platforms and leadership teachings that encourage financial independence and responsible living.
“As churches and leaders, we cannot only focus on spiritual matters while ignoring emotional wellness, relationships and economic empowerment. Society needs holistic transformation,” said Bishop Nyabanga.
The cleric, who earlier this year declared 2026 the “Year of Rehoboth”, has consistently advocated for faith-driven entrepreneurship, community development and national productivity.
Rev Benadette Bwanya, who is expected to facilitate some of the sessions during the retreat, said many people today required environments where they could heal emotionally while reconnecting with purpose.
“We are living in difficult times where many people are suffering silently from rejection, heartbreak, depression and emotional exhaustion. This retreat seeks to become a safe environment where people can rediscover themselves, strengthen their faith and build meaningful support systems,” she said.
Pastor Kunda of Kingdom Life Victoria Falls said hosting the gathering in Victoria Falls would simultaneously support domestic tourism while promoting wellness and fellowship.
“Victoria Falls offers peace, beauty and refreshment. Beyond teachings and networking, participants will experience rest and restoration in one of the world’s most beautiful destinations,” said Pastor Kunda.
The programme is expected to include guided tours, leisure activities, leadership discussions, motivational teachings and evening sessions focusing on relationships, finance, purpose and emotional wellness.
Tourism industry stakeholders say faith-based conferences and retreats are increasingly becoming important contributors to domestic tourism and local economic activity.
Hospitality operators in Victoria Falls say church conferences, empowerment seminars and social retreats continue to boost hotel occupancy rates, transport services, restaurants and tour operations, particularly during periods outside peak international tourism seasons.
Industry analysts say Zimbabwe has witnessed a growing shift towards lifestyle-oriented Christian conferences that combine spirituality, entrepreneurship, wellness and networking.
Meanwhile, another major gathering targeting Christian singles is set for Harare on June 5 and 6 under the Interdenominational Christian Singles Hub initiative spearheaded by Chaplain Dr Leo A Mupanduki.
The conference, to be held at Habitation of Hope Campsite in Twentydales Extension, Hatfield, will focus on healing, restoration and purposeful relationships.
Facilitators expected at the conference include Bishop Dr Nyabanga, Pastor and life coach Winnie Bajilla, Dr J Chinoperekwi and Bishop Dr Emmanuel Bawa.
Chaplain Dr Mupanduki said the movement sought to restore hope and dignity among people affected by divorce, widowhood, rejection and emotional trauma.
“We are saying to people whose hearts were broken through disappointment, separation or rejection that their future is still valuable. God still has purpose, restoration and joy for their lives,” he said.
“This is not an online dating platform. It is a Christ-centred movement focused on emotional healing, mentorship, accountability and godly companionship.”
Dr Mupanduki said many people were silently carrying emotional pain while lacking support systems within communities and churches.
Chaplain Dr Leo A Mupanduki
“Some people smile publicly while suffering privately. The Church must become a place of restoration, healing and emotional support,” he said.
Sessions during the conference will include counselling, relationship mentoring, deliverance, emotional healing, self-discovery and interactive networking activities.
Topics expected to be covered include Antimarital Curses, Lament and Release, Inward Journey and practical teachings on relationships and emotional wellness.
Bishop Nyabanga said healthy families and emotionally stable individuals were important foundations for national development.
“When people are emotionally wounded, society suffers through violence, hopelessness, substance abuse and broken communities. Healing people build healthy families and healthy families build strong nations,” he said.
The organisers said the movement had also launched a secure digital platform for event registration, mentorship and counselling support for members seeking spiritual and emotional guidance.
Registration for the two-day Harare conference has been pegged at US$35.
Organisers of both events say participation remains open to all age groups and denominations.
“We believe lives will be transformed, destinies restored and relationships healed,” said Bishop Nyabanga.
“Sometimes one encounter, one decision and one connection can completely change the direction of a person’s life.”
Bishop Nyabanga has in recent years become associated with numerous empowerment, entrepreneurship and mentorship initiatives aimed at promoting leadership development, economic empowerment and community transformation across Zimbabwe.
