The Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail Reporter
The Government has commended indigenous churches for supporting President Mnangagwa’s vision of transforming Zimbabwe into a modern and prosperous country, as well as actively participating in national development programmes.
Speaking during the African Apostolic Church Easter service in Gutu, Masvingo province, yesterday, Vice President Kembo Mohadi said indigenous churches were a key player in national development.
“The Apostolic Church and all other indigenous churches in the country belong to Zimbabwe and they all believe in one God,” he said.
“Everyone who prays for Zimbabwe is a citizen of Zimbabwe.”
He praised the church’s leader, Mutumwa Paul Mwazha, for supporting Government programmes.
“You have a big challenge to follow in the footsteps of Paul Mwazha; do not stray from that path. Do not think all the followers who came here are here to see you: They came to see and pray with Mutumwa Paul Mwazha.”
VP Mohadi praised the cordial relations that exist between the Church and the Government.
Speaking at the same event, Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira said indigenous churches were supportive of Government programmes.
“We want to thank the church because it moves in sync with Government’s Vision 2030,” he said.
“The church plays a very big role in ensuring food security in the country through their work in the agriculture sector. Churches should play a role in the ongoing fight against the drug epidemic.”
Meanwhile, 14 people were injured in a road traffic accident on Friday in what was the only major Easter holiday incident on the country’s roads by last night, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed, while also reiterating that church gatherings have not been banned.
The accident occurred when a Zambia-bound bus carrying 19 passengers veered off the road and overturned, before landing in a ditch at the 302-kilometre peg on the Harare-Chirundu Road.
ZRP spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi has since exhorted motorists to exercise caution on the roads.
“Fourteen people were injured when an Andile Coaches bus, which was carrying 19 passengers, veered off the road, overturned once and landed on its roof in a ditch. The bus was on its way to Zambia,” he said.
“Three injured passengers were referred to Karoi District Hospital, while 12 others went to Mutendere Hospital, Zambia, for medical assistance.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police strongly cautions the motoring public against speeding in situations which are not fit to do so, thereby compromising road safety.”
He also emphasised that church gatherings had not been banned but were only required to follow strict health protocols, in line with the Government’s recent pronouncements.
“The police have not banned or said churches should seek clearance to conduct their services,” he said.
“All what the Commissioner-General (Godwin Matanga) said was that church leaders should not allow their congregants to travel at night and make sure that they use suitable transport.
“In view of the Cabinet directive, which was specifically from the Ministry of Health and Child Care regarding the health safety of congregants, the ZRP is ready to enforce the law and complement Government’s efforts in preventing cholera outbreaks.
“We urge churches to comply with these safety regulations given by Government, especially focusing on prevention of cholera outbreaks.”
In a statement before the Easter holiday, Comm-Gen Matanga said: “As Christian worshippers gather at various centres throughout the country to commemorate the Easter holidays, I discourage them from night travelling to minimise road traffic accidents.
“Church leaders should ensure that the form of transport used by congregations is suitable and secure without compromising road safety.”
Cabinet also directed churches to hold their gatherings at places where there is adequate running water.
In Tuesday’s post-Cabinet media briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere said the authorities were concerned about churches gathering in places without safe water or sanitation facilities.
“In light of the impending Easter holidays, Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Health and Child Care to intensify monitoring and supervision of all gatherings in order to minimise the spread of cholera,” he said.
“Cabinet further directed that, going forward, no church gatherings must take place until church leaders instal solar-powered boreholes or bush pump boreholes, as well as sanitisation facilities. All gatherings must obtain prior clearance and should be supervised by health authorities.”
Today, Easter Sunday, one of the most important days on the Christian calendar, churches are expected to overflow with worshippers commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a cornerstone of their faith.
