Story by Providence Maraneli
AS the country’s harmonised elections draw closer, the church is on the ground urging Zimbabweans to embrace peace and unity for development to take place.
The Zion Christian Church (ZCC) is taking a proactive approach in calling for peaceful harmonised elections this year.
The leader of the church, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi was in Gwanda this Monday where he addressed political leaders and congregants on the importance of peace and unity in the development of the country.
“If it was up to me, we would get rid of names Matabeleland and Mashonaland because they fuel tribalism. We are one country and one people, there is no need to look at each other on tribal lines. We know the elections are getting closer, lets vote in peace. Let those who are not registered, register to vote. We need to be peaceful, we are capable of turning around the fortunes of our country. We are our own investors, let’s not spend time fighting each other, let’s vote peacefully. Let us not accept to be sponsored by Western countries to fight among ourselves,” he said.
The Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Abedinico Ncube, took the opportunity to reaffirm the Second Republic’s resolute stance in promoting peace, unity and development.
“There is no Ndebele, there is no Shona, there is no Tonga or Venda, we are one people. As government, we are grateful to the work being done by the church to promote peace. Our President is always preaching peace, let’s embrace it,” noted Honourable Ncube.
Government established organisations like the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission to promote peace, reconciliation and tolerance in the country.