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Ashley Phiri and Amos Mpofu, Chronicle Writers

BULAWAYO Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube, on Monday led the city in praising God over the country’s 44 years of independence and urged residents to pray for continued peace and unity to foster development.

Minister Ncube joined the city fathers and the residents of Bulawayo at the Bulawayo City Hall where the large gathering conducted dedicatory prayers for various issues affecting people and the country.

The day started off with a praise and worship session led by local gospel musician, Vuyo Brown before the opening prayers were led by leaders of various church denominations.

Prayer requests included blessing of rains, mitigation against drug and substance abuse, the preservation of family units, peace in the nation and the country’s leadership.

Congregants also prayed for favourable weather conditions, which will contribute to enhanced food security.

Minister Ncube in her remarks said the day of prayer was meant to seek guidance from God in addressing governance and societal issues.

She also said preparations for the Independence celebrations to be held today at White City Stadium were on course.

“In two days we will be celebrating our 44 years of Independence under the theme: “Zimbabwe @44 Unity, Peace and Development Towards Vision 2030. 

“Therefore, in this regard it is paramount that we express our sincere gratitude to God for the 44 years of total freedom, solidarity and steadfast love. We should also pray for many more years of unity and peace,” said Minister Ncube.

She said communities were under threat from drug and substance abuse, instabilities at home and promiscuity hence then Prayer Day.

Minister Ncube said they only way to overcome the challenges was seeking God’s guidance.

Zimbabwe Council of Churches’ (ZCC) Bishop Michael Dube said the day of prayer was meant to unite residents in finding lasting solutions to the city’s problems.

“These hardships are not just affecting a certain group of people but all of us hence the need for us to unite and pray to God to intervene,” said Bishop Dube.

He said the issue of drug and substance abuse needs to be addressed both spiritually and physically through the holding of awareness campaigns across the city.