Harare, (New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed the importance of the strong relationship between the Government and the Church, describing it as a cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s national development agenda.
He made the remarks on Thursday while officially opening the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Zimbabwe’s Vineyard Assembly in Knowe, Norton, where he commended the church for its contribution to spiritual growth and community development.
The newly completed facility, whose construction began seventeen years ago, features a 1 000-seat auditorium built to accommodate the church’s expanding congregation.
As part of the commissioning ceremony, President Mnangagwa unveiled the church’s commemorative plaque before handing over a 30-seater bus and three vehicles to support the church’s operations.
Having donated more than US$300,000 towards the construction of the assembly, President Mnangagwa expressed satisfaction at seeing the project reach completion.
“The completion of the facility will contribute to spiritual growth and community development. There is a strong relationship between the Government and the church in Zimbabwe, and this is key for our nation’s development.
“As we open this church’s Assembly, I would like to challenge all churches to strengthen their role in promoting peace, unity and sustainable national development,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said churches remain indispensable partners in the country’s development efforts, noting that their influence extends beyond spiritual guidance to promoting social cohesion, ethical leadership and community empowerment.
He urged religious leaders to encourage a culture of hard work and responsibility among citizens as Zimbabwe pursues sustainable economic growth.
“The AFM in Zimbabwe, together with other churches and denominations, remains a dependable partner in the country’s ongoing development efforts,” he said.
The opening of the Vineyard Assembly marks a significant milestone for the AFM in Zimbabwe, reflecting the church’s continued investment in infrastructure to meet the needs of its growing membership while expanding its role in national development initiatives.
Minister of State for Mashonaland West Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo, said the collaboration between the Government and the Church continues to deliver tangible benefits to communities through initiatives that promote social welfare, unity and development across the province and the country at large.
AFM in Zimbabwe President Bishop Amos Madawo expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for his generous financial contributions towards the completion of the Vineyard Assembly, describing the support as transformative for the church.
He said President Munangagwa’s assistance had played a pivotal role in bringing the long-standing project to fruition and demonstrated a commitment to promoting both spiritual growth and national development through partnerships with faith-based institutions.
