Story by Yolanda Moyo
The church has challenged the nation to speak with one voice for sustained peace which is key for national development.
This emerged during the Sixth Edition of the National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service, which saw church leaders praying for developmental projects that are being undertaken by the Second Republic and a prosperous new year.
Chairman of the Faith for the Nation Campaign, Prophet Andrew Wutawunashe denounced negative voices that are tarnishing Zimbabwe’s image at a time when there are developmental projects which are changing lives.
“Sometimes we become surprised by the negative voices in our country. There do not see anything positive that is being done by the government to develop our nation. We are here to pray for what has been achieved this year,” he said.
The church also called for the removal of illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West highlighting how the embargo has affected ordinary Zimbabweans, with the congregation also praying for peaceful elections next year.
Father Fidelis Mukonori of the Roman Catholic Church said, “May God bless all those who are prepared to stand for the future president that they do it in peace. We ask God that there will be peaceful general elections and that anyone who goes against the law should be punished accordingly without fear and favour.”
The need for unity for the development of the nation also took centre stage.
“There is a need for Zimbabweans to unite as the nation develops. We see in other countries people are united but here you find people going against development and you wonder why they are doing that. There is need to unite as a nation so that we can prosper,” noted the President of the Chiefs Council, Senator Chief Fortune Charumbira.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister, Dr Anxious Masuka highlighted the major projects being implemented in the agriculture sector.
“Zimbabwe has made great strides in reviving the agricultural sector. There are a number of projects being implemented nationwide in the agricultural sector. Agriculture development will lead to rural industrialisation and upliftment of the lives of the rural population. The Presidential Cotton Scheme supports two million Zimbabweans. In Matabeleland, we give tick grease to households, which has necessitated the growth of our national herd. Zimbabwe’s economy is anchored on agriculture as most sectors are indirectly and directly linked to the agricultural sub-sector.”
Musician Mambo Dhuterere’s performance mesmerised the congregation.
The National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service is held annually at the end of December as church leaders seek divine intervention in solving national challenges.
