Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube Deputy Radar Editor
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has implored the church and the country’s communities to spread love, peace, unity and hospitality as they re-integrate returnees from South Africa while urging law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to deal decisively with perpetrators of violent crimes.
He said expressed deep concern over a recent surge in murder and other serious offences.
The President made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by the Minister of Defence, Cde Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, during the Johane the Fifth of Africa International Church Annual Convention held at the church’s Holy Shrine in Mvuma.
The convention was attended by thousands of congregants and it ran under the theme, “Season of Prayer for the Attainment of our National Vision 2030.” the President urged Zimbabweans to continue praying for peace, unity and national development.
“As we implement the re-integration plan for the returnees, the Church must continue to preach the word of hospitality, love and caring for one another. Let us continue to welcome our fellow brothers and citizens, from the diaspora,” he said while quoting extensively from the scriptures’ Romans 12 verses 9-13, which says ‘Love must be sincere, Hate what is evil, cling to what is good, be devoted to one another in love,… Never lack in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord,… Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.’
The President expressed concern over cases of violent crimes and urged communities to value the sanctity of life.
“My Government is deeply concerned by a surge of violent crimes including, murder cases. Let us, foster in our communities and at family level the sacredness of life. The right to life is overarching in the bill of rights set out in our national Constitution. Pose patiri ngatiremekedzei upenyu (Wherever we are, let us respect life).
“Law enforcement agencies and stakeholders in the justice system, including our competent courts must deal decisively with perpetrators of such and other crimes,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the Church had a critical role in promoting moral values, peace and social cohesion, while commending religious organisations for partnering Government in combating drug and substance abuse, gender-based violence and other social ills.
“Meanwhile, my Government welcomes the role which the Church plays as a critical, strategic and dependable development partner. On the social front your prayers sustain and uplift communities. The moral discipline you promote through the pulpit builds families and societies, while entrenching peace, unity and social cohesion.
“I commend the Church for joining my administration in the ongoing fight against drug and substance abuse, domestic and gender-based violence, as well as crime among other social ills,” he said.
The President said Vision 2030 remained the country’s roadmap towards attaining an empowered upper-middle-income economy where no one and no place is left behind.
“Vision 2030, is our covenant and appointment with the future for the realisation of a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society, where no one and no place is left behind.
“Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo.’ Nehemiah in the Bible prayed, then he built the walls of Jerusalem,” he said.
President Mnangagwa commended the church for aligning its teachings with the country’s development aspirations and Pan-African values of liberation, independence, sovereignty and self-determination.
He challenged the church leadership to accelerate programmes aimed at empowering women and young people through entrepreneurship, skills development and wealth creation.
“I challenge the Presiding Archbishop and the Church leadership at large, to speed up the implementation of the plans for empowering the youth and women. Local entrepreneurship, wealth creation and economic emancipation as well as prosperity, driven by our own people is the last frontier which we must harness towards complete independence, unity and integration of the African peoples,” he said.
The President applauded the church for establishing the Ruvheneko Trust, which is equipping women and youths with skills, start-up kits, scholarships and business mentorship.
“I commend you for setting up Ruvheneko Trust, which is empowering women and the youth with skills, providing start-up kits, scholarships and business mentorship. These are the practical teachings of the living gospel, equipping communities to be able to produce quality Made-in-Zimbabwe goods and products. Well done,” he said.
Turning to the economy, President Mnangagwa said Government remained focused on implementing National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), with significant progress being recorded in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, tourism, infrastructure development, rural industrialisation and digital transformation.
He cited the recent commissioning of a rural industrial complex in Mutoko producing cooking oil, soap and detergents as evidence of Government’s drive to promote value addition and rural industrialisation.
The President also expressed confidence that Zimbabwe was on course for another bumper winter wheat harvest, which would strengthen national food security.
He urged Zimbabweans to pray for adequate rainfall while working hard to maximise agricultural production.
“We have the confidence that if we approach the Almighty, He act on our petitions. Through praying and interceding for our country Zimbabwe, we must ask for blessings over our country and for adequate rains, so that we till our land and continue to have the food to feed the nation,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also called on the church to continue supporting Government’s reintegration programme for returning Zimbabweans by preaching love, unity and hospitality.
He welcomed delegates from Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Zambia, describing the church’s growing international footprint as testimony to its expanding influence beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
The President applauded the organisers for incorporating exhibitions in agriculture, agribusiness, fashion, arts and the creative industry into the convention, saying such initiatives complemented Government’s vision of inclusive socio-economic development.
He urged the church to remain steadfast in praying for peace, unity, national prosperity and the success of Zimbabwe’s development agenda as the country advances towards Vision 2030.
