The Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail Reporter
Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa has praised the church for contributing towards social and economic development, particularly through the implementation of infrastructural projects.In a speech read on his behalf by the Minister of State for Harare Metropolitan Province, Cde Miriam Chikukwa at the United Theological College 62nd celebrations in Harare yesterday, Cde Mnangagwa said churches were instrumental even during the liberation struggle as they housed many liberation heroes.
“As Government, we appreciate the role and contribution of the church in complementing State efforts in socio-economic infrastructural development projects such as this theological college (United Theological College),” he said.
“I am aware that the churches behind this project, namely the United Methodist Church, Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (Wesleyan Methodist), Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe, United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, United Church of Christ in Zimbabwe and United Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa; have long been involved in social infrastructure development projects such as hospitals, agriculture, schools, technical training institutions and universities.
“It is for this reason that I urge college alumni to contribute towards the development of institutions that they went through in order to provide quality and affordable opportunities to those coming after them.
“Through such investments, the country now takes pride being recognised in higher echelons of achievements in education in terms of quality, competence and literacy, among other indices, to the extent that Zimbabweans are highly sought after the world over.
“Many of our heroes, including the late Leopold Takawira, Thomas Samkange, and Lazarus Nzarayebani went through such institutions.
Cde Mnangagwa also said the United Theological College is pivotal in molding graduates that can articulate Government policies such as ZimAsset and the 10-Point Point Plan which seeks to stir development and stem corruption.
“I am pleased to note that point number nine of the 10-Point Plan underscores the need to pursue an anti-corruption thrust to stem encumbrances to economic growth by instilling a culture of honest, hard work, diligence, discipline and non-tolerance of corruption,” he added.
“I am enthused to learn that UTC is already setting the pace in this direction by churning out graduates who espouse such virtues.”
United Theological College was founded in 1954 and has 297 students who are studying courses such as Religious studies and Theology.
