The Sunday Mail
Mukudzei Chingwere
ACTING President, Dr Constantino Chiwenga, has called on citizens to engage in responsible merrymaking and implored those traveling during the festive season to exercise caution to avoid accidents.
He was speaking during the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s fourth Annual Convention in Harare yesterday.
Drawing participants from countries like Germany, Ghana and Botswana, the convention was held under the theme “Building a Health and Prosperous Nation”.
Dr Chiwenga said the theme resonates well with the country’s strategic vision for the attainment of an empowered and prosperous upper middle-income society by 2030.
He noted Government’s appreciation for the support and complementary role played by 0
the Muslim community in assisting vulnerable and less-privileged communities.
“I want to urge all those who will be traveling to various places around the country to exercise caution on our roads during this festive season,” said the Acting President.
“I wish you all a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2023. As you celebrate. I want you to enjoy a peaceful and enjoyable holiday,” he said.
He added that the threat of the Covid-19 pandemic is still hovering perilously and people should never loosen their guard.
Turning to the church, he said: “My presence here bears testimony of Government’s appreciation of the role of religion in building a society that is God-fearing, disciplined, loving, harmonious and faithful.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim community is a spiritual community which strives to promote the peaceful teaching of Islam in Zimbabwe.
“It is my sincere hope and trust that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will keep on doing more charity work and closely work with Government to ensure peace, progress and development of our nation.
“Let me take this opportunity to urge you to continue participating in the socio-economic development of our country through building schools, colleges and health facilities for the benefit of our community.”
Faith-based organisations, the Acting President Chiwenga said, have a huge role to play in the country, particularly as Zimbabwe prepares for general elections next year.
Head of the Ahmadiyya Community in Ghana Maulvi Muhammed Noor bin Saleh said their religion teaches them to be obedient to those in authority.
“Islam is a religion that permits competition but even in political competition Islam still teaches that, at the end of the day, the one who wins and becomes the representative of the people, all of us must come together and support him to carry the mandate that we have given him.”
Twitter: @MukudzeiChingw2
