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Bongani Ndlovu,Chronicle Reporter
ZANU-PF second secretary Cde Kembo Mohadi has implored churches to continue working with the ruling party and Government to foster unity, development and peace as the country heads towards next year’s harmonised elections.

Addressing hundreds of Church yaBaba Johanne weMasowe congregants at their shrine in Entumbane suburb in Bulawayo yesterday, Cde Mohadi said churches are instrumental in promoting unity to ensure peace and stability as they play a crucial role in nation building.

“Churches must complement Government efforts to promote peace and unity, particularly now that we are heading towards the 2023 harmonised elections.

“As the ruling party, Zanu-PF, which forms the Government of the day, we work for the people and they are the ones who also send us to fulfil their wishes,” he said.

“The spiritual well-being of society lies in the role played by churches while the Government is responsible for their welfare.”

Cde Mohadi commended Church yaBaba Johanne weMasowe for running a thriving farming project, which is critical in terms of boosting food security.

“I hear that the church has a farm with members actively involved in agricultural activities. However, we note that the church is encountering some challenges in terms of water supply and inputs,” he said.
Cde Mohadi promsied to assist the church.

Zanu-PF

“Let me assure you that since your pleas have reached our ears, we will ensure the church gets the necessary help,” he said.

Cde Mohadi also urged the congregants to vote for Zanu-PF, saying it is its mandate to fulfil in terms of implementing various Government projects.

“As Zanu-PF, we have a great relationship with several indigenous churches and Johanne Masowe is one of those religious groups that have never forsaken us. As we go to elections, we ask for your unwavering support,” he said.

“Those who are legible to vote, may you please vote for Zanu-PF next year. We want to be re-elected so that we finish the programmes we started.”

Cde Mohadi described the founder of church, the late Baba Johanne Masowe as a pan-Africanist.

The church is holding its annual conference which started on October 8 and ends tomorrow. The event is being attended by hundreds of congregants from different parts of the country and neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, Zambia and South Africa.

Cde Kembo Mohadi

The conference also coincides with the birth of Baba Masowe, who was born on October 1, 1914 in Makoni district.

He died on September 13, 1973 in Zambia.

Cde Mohadi, who was accompanied by Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube, said the mutual relationship between the church and the Government should benefit the generality of citizens.

“I heard one of the pastors saying that Baba Johanne Masowe was at one time incarcerated by the colonial government for preaching against the repressive white regime.

Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Judith Ncube

“He was a man who wanted the total emancipation of black people,” he said.

“Just like him, that is exactly what drove us to take up arms against the settler regime to free our country.”

Cde Mohadi called on the church to pray for the country leadership.

The picture taken shows members of the Johane Masowe weChishanu gathered at a hill in Emganwini suburb, Bulawayo

“It is the Lord who gave us these political positions. So, we need your support and prayers so that together we forge ahead and conquer our enemies who don’t want to see our country progressing,” he said.

Cde Mohadi said Zimbabwe attained political independence in 1980 and the daunting task now is economic emancipation.

“We will attain an upper middle-income economy status by 2030. Through our sound economic policies, we will definitely achieve our vision,” he said.

Earlier on, Cde Mohadi was shown an area where the church intends to build a 3 000-seater auditorium. The foundation for the structure has already been laid.

Bible- Image taken from Shutterstock

Speaking during the same event, the church representative, Pastor Misheck Vumbunu, quoting the Biblical scriptures in Romans 13 verses 1 and 2 said: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God (granted by His permission and sanction), and those which exist have been put in place by God.”

“Therefore, whoever resists (governmental) authority resists the ordinance of God. And those who have resisted it will bring judgment (civil penalty) on themselves.”

Pastor Vumbunu said guided by the scriptures, the church will continue to support the Government. — @bonganinkunzi