Andrew
Retired Major Rissi Mushongera joined the Salvation Army during the colonial era when she was still a youth.
Below she shares her recollections and message
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Q: Do you think there is hope for Zimbabwe given the challenges we have faced over the years?
A: Personally, when I look back, I realise that there is so much hope for Zimbabwe. I have been through a lot. When I joined church during the pre-Independence period, everything was all different. During those times, there were very few churches, as most people were into African traditional religion. There were no preachers. Most churches relied on school teachers for Bible teachings. Leaders would go into communities, recruiting congregants and that was a very tough job because what most people knew and believed in was African tradition. With time, the numbers began to improve and teachers then started training their students how to interpret the Bible and preach, and that is how the young generation became joined the church. It is during the early 80s that generally, as women, we were then allowed to enrol in theology. Together with a few other women, I grabbed the chance. Over the years, we have seen the expansion of church. And now, church is taking part in developmental issues.
Q: What are your thoughts on the New Dispensation?
A: Since the coming of the Second Republic, there is increased engagement with church, as it plays a major role in positively conscientising society. As a nation, we have been through a lot. Remember, there is a time that we had crumbled economically; likewise politics had lost value, but of late everything is taking shape once again. Having been there and done that, it is clear we are on the right path.
Q: Which other sign shows that we are moving in the right direction?
A: First, being largely a Christian country, it means a lot when the Government realises the need to set aside a day or days to pray for the nation. On the political front, there is an increased level of openness. We never used to have any post-Cabinet briefings back then. So, for me, this is a positive development. However, let us not overlook the fact that the right direction is determined by us as a nation. We do not need someone from outside to tell us what and how to do it. As Zimbabweans, we know what we want, so let us put our hands together and help Government push for a better Zimbabwe.
Q: Has our social fabric changed for better or worse over the years?
A: Our social fabric has changed in a great way. However, it is for both good and bad. Previously, there was nothing much to talk about in terms of church, but with time, society changed. Church is now being embraced by many. It reminds me of how most of our colleagues went to the liberation struggle and never made it back. We had to rebuild church after Independence. It was an emotional and tough time for all of us. I believe now is a time that everyone should be happy to worship without any disturbances, but unfortunately, society is now decayed. Morales have been eroded and the youths are no longer what we used to know them to be – talk of drug abuse, prostitution, you name it. This lives me, and many others, wondering what the future holds for us. The line between church and politics has also become very faint. It takes acumen for one to separate the two.
Q: What do we need to do as a country to correct areas we are getting it wrong?
A: It is important for us (Zimbabweans) to always remember who we are. Identity is critical in nation-building because a person who does not know their identity will never see the reason to guard and protect their nation. We also need to take issues of Independence and Heroes (Day) seriously because they guide us on where we came from and where we should be going. Regardless of which church or religion you belong to, we are all Zimbabweans and ought to work together with Government for Zimbabwe to be the nation we expect it to be. As a nation, we need to stand together and set goals for our future basing on our history.
Online Reporter