Vice President Mohadi urges church to lead fight against social ills

Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau

VICE-President Kembo Mohadi yesterday launched the Family Values Initiative in Beitbridge, calling on churches to take a leading role in restoring moral values and tackling social ills such as drug and substance abuse.

The Vice-President made the remarks at Kingdom Light Global Church during the wedding of Bishop Edgar Maireva, the leader of the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ), and Gladys Verengai.

The wedding was held concurrently with the launch of the initiative.
“It is my pleasure and singular honour to grace this wedding union . . . which is being held concurrently with the launch of the Family Values Initiative,” VP Mohadi said.

He said the event was both a celebration of marriage and a moment of national purpose.
VP Mohadi described marriage as the first institution ordained by God and the foundation of society.

“A nation is only as strong as its families. When fathers are present and responsible, when mothers are honoured and supported, when children are raised in discipline and love, the nation rises,” he said.

The Vice-President said the Second Republic had placed the family at the centre of Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 under the social development pillar, linking economic growth to moral development.

“We cannot build an upper-middle-income society on a foundation of broken homes, absent fathers, and children without moral guidance. Economic growth must walk hand-in-hand with moral growth and social cohesion,” VP Mohadi said.

“Today is a day of joy, but it is also a day of purpose. We are gathered to witness a holy covenant between a man and a woman called to serve God and His people. We are also gathered to launch an initiative that speaks to the soul of our nation: the restoration and defence of family values and Christian principles in public.”

The Vice-President said the country was facing serious challenges, including drug and substance abuse, gender-based violence, and the breakdown of family structures.

He said the scourge of drug and substance abuse was stealing the future of the youth.
To that effect, VP Mohadi said the Government had declared drug abuse a national disaster and that it was strengthening law enforcement, expanding rehabilitation centres, and partnering with churches for prevention and recovery.

“The launch of Family Values and Christian Initiatives we witness today comes at a decisive moment in our history. We are a nation under construction. Physically, you see roads, dams, housing projects, and industrial parks rising across the country. But a nation is not built by brick and steel alone. It is built by people of character, discipline, and faith,” he said.

He said the church’s role in counselling, restoration, and community reintegration was irreplaceable and urged faith leaders to continue being the nation’s moral compass.

“Government recognises the church as an indispensable partner in nation-building. This is not symbolic support — this is active, practical partnership,” said VP Mohadi.

He added that the Government will continue to create platforms for ongoing dialogue between the State and faith leaders and to mobilise resources where needed.

VP Mohadi also noted that the launch of the Family Values Initiative was a response to external cultural influences that seek to redefine marriage, family, and identity contrary to Zimbabwe’s African and Christian heritage.

Addressing Bishop Maireva and his wife, VP Mohadi said their union should serve as a light for the nation.
“May your home become a centre of prayer, counselling, and hope for many. May it demonstrate that a marriage rooted in Christ can withstand economic hardship, social pressure, and the storms of life,” he said.

The Vice-President also made a clarion call for a national renewal of marriage, family, and values.
“Let it be said that in 2026, Zimbabwe chose to defend the family, to honour God, and to build a nation on truth and righteousness,” added VP Mohadi.

The event was attended by the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe, Beitbridge West legislator Cde Thusani Ndou, religious leaders and Government officials among others.