Peter Tanyanyiwa
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Correspondent
The United Apostolic Faith Church (UAFC) week-long women’s conference ended this week with attendees taking a bold stand against child marriages, drug and substance abuse, and road traffic accidents.
In a resounding endorsement of the Government’s legal reforms, UAFC leaders used the conference to reiterate their support for the statutory minimum marriage age of 18.
This comes after President Mnangagwa’s administration enacted sweeping changes, including the 2022 Marriage Act and the 2024 Criminal Laws Amendment, which criminalise child marriage and raise the age of consent to 18 years.
The United Apostolic Faith Church’s founding leader, Archbishop Busani Sibanda, said that as a church, they have amended their constitution to be in harmony with the laws of Zimbabwe.
“We stand with President Mnangagwa’s vision — no child under 18 should be married, regardless of custom or circumstance,” he said.
“Our faith compels us to protect the innocence and future of every child. We urge all families and communities to uphold this law, for it is both a legal and a moral imperative.”
A youth leader at the conference, Melissa Chigombora said that they are raising a generation of empowered girls and boys who know their rights.
“Education, not early marriage, is the path to a prosperous life. We encourage our young people to focus on their studies, pursue their dreams, and resist any pressure to marry before they are ready. The church is their shield and their voice,” she said.
The UAFC conference also addressed the escalating crisis of drug and substance abuse, which has reached alarming levels in Zimbabwe.
A senior women’s leader, Lynnet Chiteto said that drug abuse is tearing families apart and robbing the youth of their future.
“We have seen the pain—mental health breakdowns, violence, and broken homes. As a church, we are not just preaching abstinence; we are providing counselling, supporting rehabilitation, and working with authorities to report and address cases. Addiction is not a crime, it is a condition that needs compassion and intervention,” she said.
“The Government has responded with a national anti-drug campaign, the construction of rehabilitation centres, and the launch of a Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024-2030).
Women’s fellowship Deputy General Samkeliso Tshuma called for a united front.
“We must break the silence around drug abuse. Churches, schools, and families must work hand in hand,” she said.
“We are training our youth to be peer educators and ambassadors against drugs. We also call on the Government to increase support for rehabilitation and mental health services, especially in rural and marginalised communities.”
The church’s Bishop (Mrs) Wine Chiteto urged vigilance on the road to minimise accidents and the loss of lives.
“Our gatherings bring together thousands from across the region. We have a sacred duty to ensure everyone returns home safely,” she said.
“We are teaching our members to avoid night travel, use only certified and roadworthy vehicles, and rest when fatigued. Churches must not only pray for safety but also practice it.”
Archbishop Busani Sibanda, the church’s founding leader, added:
“Our faith is not confined to the pulpit. We are called to be the conscience of the nation, to stand with the government in building a society free from child marriage, drug abuse, and preventable deaths. We thank President Mnangagwa and our national heroes for securing our freedom of worship and for enacting laws that protect our children. Let us all, as Zimbabweans, rise to this challenge.”
Zimbabwe’s fight against child marriage, drug abuse, and road carnage is ongoing.
While legal reforms have set a strong foundation—such as the 2016 Constitutional Court ruling and the 2022 Marriage Act—enforcement and cultural change remain critical. Drug abuse, especially among youth, continues to strain the health system and disrupt communities, while road safety requires both infrastructural investment and behavioural change.
Online Reporter