By Zachary Gava
Marange, (New Ziana) — President Emmerson Mnangagwa has challenged churches across the country to become active partners in driving national development by promoting hard work, moral values, unity and participation in government empowerment programmes.
Addressing thousands of congregants at the Johane Marange Apostolic Church 2026 Big Sabbath Service in Marange on Saturday, President Mnangagwa said faith based communities have a critical role in achieving the vision to become an upper middle income society by 2030.
He said the influence of the church should extend beyond spiritual guidance to inspiring production, productivity and socio-economic transformation across the country.
President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe’s development agenda requires the collective effort of the government, churches and communities working together.
“Our nation is marching on to Vision 2030. I challenge the Church to make loud its voice and encourage hard-honest work, production and productivity in all sectors, as we develop our country,” he said.
He also urged churches to preach patriotism, unity and love for the country while helping preserve Zimbabwe’s cultural values and instil good morals in younger generations.
“The Church has a part to play. We trust the Church to help us preserve our values and good morals as a nation,” he said.
President Mnangagwa commended the Johane Marange Apostolic Church for investing in education, entrepreneurship, skills development, sports and mining, describing the initiatives as practical contributions to economic growth and community empowerment.
“The many empowerment projects you have undertaken demonstrate how your Church contributes towards the growth of our economy. Well done,” he said.
He said the government was playing its part by removing obstacles that hinder business growth, including reducing the burden of licences and levies on entrepreneurs.
The ruling ZANU PF government policies would continue creating opportunities for wealth creation, employment and improved livelihoods while calling on churches to mobilize congregants to participate in government-led empowerment initiatives, he said.
“I call upon the Church to mobilize and organize congregants to participate in empowerment programmes being championed by Government,” he said.
President Mnangagwa further called on Zimbabweans to take ownership of national development by contributing to the construction of infrastructure, increasing agricultural production and responsibly exploiting the country’s natural resources.
He reiterated the commitment of the government to inclusive development, declaring that “no one and no place will be left behind.”
President Mnangagwa also praised Manicaland province for its economic progress, noting that it is now ranked fifth in its contribution to Zimbabwe’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
He singled out the achievements of the country in wheat and milk production, manufacturing and urged stakeholders to focus on high-value exports, innovation and technology to accelerate economic growth.
President Mnangagwa also encouraged continued investment in tourism to strengthen the position of the country as a preferred destination for tourism, trade and investment.
He thanked the Johane Marange Apostolic Church for its prayers for the nation and for maintaining cordial relations with the government, saying unity and peace remain essential foundations for national prosperity.
“It pleases God when we meet in unity to pray for our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe,” he said, adding that the country should continue relying on God as it pursues development, modernisation and industrialisation.
President Mnangagwa urged Zimbabweans to continue promoting peace, love and harmony while praying for the country’s continued development and that of the African continent.
He commended church leader His Holiness St Nimrod Taguta, the church leadership, traditional leaders, government officials and the people of Manicaland for the warm reception accorded to him during the Sabbath service.
New Ziana
