Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo
Midlands Bureau
THE Government yesterday launched the US$500 000 Presidential Empowerment Scheme for Zion Christian Church (ZCC) members to enhance the livelihoods of church members in recognition of the role the church plays in the socio-economic development of the country.
During the launch, held at Defe Dopota shrine in Gokwe North during the Zuva RaSamere commemorations day, the church received an initial investment of US$500 000 to support their entrepreneurial pursuits.
This programme forms part of President Mnangagwa’s comprehensive plan to promote economic empowerment for church youths and women in line with Vision 2030.
Dr Paul Tungwarara, Special Presidential Advisor on Investments, highlighted the significance of this empowerment initiative to thousands of ZCC members aimed at fostering socio-economic growth in line with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of living no one and no place behind.
“The scheme’s launch underscores the Government’s commitment to recognising the vital role played by the church in Zimbabwe’s national development,” he said.
Dr Tungwarara said the Presidential Empowerment fund for ZCC is the brain child of President Mnangagwa whose vision is to see an empowered society by 2030.
“President Mnangagwa wishes to see an empowered society by 2030 and this is part of the empowerment programme. I have been to many launch programmes but I must say I have never witnessed so many people in one place like we have here at Defe Dopota. Today we have this vision by President Mnangagwa, a vision of an upper middle economy by 2030 through empowering of churches and the general society.”
Dr Tungwarara said the money will see ZCC members getting at least US$50 000 each in each of the country’s 10 provinces.
“It’s better to have an empowered Christian community. Let’s unite in fighting poverty, let fight drug and substance abuse by empowering the youths and their elders. Each province is getting US$50 000 for ZCC members. It’s for you to come up with something for the growth of the church members and the country at large. This is a seed from President Mnangagwa. A blessed seed from a blessed leader who was elected by God. It is God who chooses leaders. We will also bring more computers,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Government also launched the Presidential computer programme to equip Information Communication Technology laboratory at Defe Dopota Primary School.
Under the programme, President Mnangagwa donated more than 30 computers that were handed over to the school by Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri who was in the company of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister Tatenda Mavetera.
Addressing the ZCC members, Minister Matevera said, “We have come with 30 computers to start a computer lab at Defe Dopota Primary School. We also have five Star links for this place. We trained 1 000 pupils on digital skills and they will receive certificates for the course.”
Minister Matevera said through the computer laboratory, the Government aimed to equip every child with digital skills.
The Government is targeting the training of 1,5 million coders as part of its broader digital transformation agenda.
“As a ministry, we talk of 1,5 million coders and we have seen a lot of children passing through and getting the skills. We have provided base stations so that people have access to the internet. President Mnangagwa want to see people embracing ICT. The Government will continue assisting the people especially those in the marginalized places,” she said.
Minister of Skills Audit and Development Professor Paul Mavima commended the Second Republic for pushing development programmes in Gokwe Sengwa Constituency.
“We have a dam under construction, we got boreholes we requested for and a piped water scheme under Chief Mutendi and Chief Masunda from tank one to tank nine, all through the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa.”
Prof Mavima commended President Mnangagwa for spearheading the installation of electricity at Dopota Primary School.
“We appreciate the Presidential computer programme, this is happening even in clinics where they are doing tele medicine,” he said.
Prof Mavima went down memory lane, recalling a remarkable event from his youth. “Bishop Mutendi, I recall 1976 in Mateta when we witnessed a moon unlike any other we had seen before. This moon was moving at an unusual pace, and we hastened home. We were later informed that it was an unidentified flying object, and I personally saw it.”
