By Zachary Gava
Harare,(New Ziana) – President Emmerson Mnangagwa has called on churches across Zimbabwe to deepen their partnership with Government by supporting national development programmes, promoting peace and unity, fighting social ills and helping vulnerable communities.
Addressing more than 5 000 congregants at the Johanne Masowe Chishanu National Spiritual Conference at Gwanzura Shrine in Highfields, Harare, on Saturday, President Mnangagwa said churches had an important role to play in complementing Government’s efforts to improve the welfare of citizens.
The four-day conference, which began on Wednesday and ends on Sunday, brought together members of the Johanne Masowe Chishanu Church from across Zimbabwe and outside the country.
President Mnangagwa said he was pleased with the church’s contribution to national programmes, particularly its donation of 700 hospital beds and wheelchairs to health institutions.
“I am very happy with the work as a church that you are doing in driving support for the Government. I thank you for the 700 hospital beds and wheelchairs donated by the church to hospitals,” he said.
He urged the church to expand such interventions by supporting Government programmes in different provinces and districts, saying development required the participation of all sectors of society.
“I invite the church to take up or support Government programmes. Let us ensure we uplift each other in the various provinces and districts that you come from. Going forward, I look forward to seeing all the churches of our beloved motherland playing their part in the programmes and projects outlined in our development strategy,” President Mnangagwa said.
The President also urged the church to intensify its advocacy against drugs, violence and crime, particularly among young people, while ensuring that vulnerable members of society were not left behind.
“I am pleased when the church denounces things like drugs, violence and crime. Continue urging the youth to refrain from such vices. Also ensure orphans are helped and given the necessary things to make them survive. Let us also not neglect our elderly. The church should be a shelter for the suffering. Embrace them,” he said.
President Mnangagwa further called on Zimbabweans to pray for peace and unity, saying the church had a critical role in fostering social cohesion and supporting national development.
“The church community throughout our beloved motherland, Zimbabwe, is called upon to continue praying for peace. Let us humble ourselves and ensure we work for the good of the country. Let us continue praying for peace and unity,” he said.
Drawing from the Bible, the President said prayer and faith should be accompanied by a commitment to the country’s development.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart. In all your ways submit to Him. Munzira dzako dzose zvipire kuna Mwari. Economic development, promotion and enforcement of the values of peace, kubatana, kuwirirana, unity and love is commendable,” he said.
President Mnangagwa also called for prayers for the success of the 2026 agricultural season, particularly amid concerns over the impact of El Niño-induced weather conditions, urging citizens to contribute to food security through farming wherever possible.
He encouraged congregants to pray for rainfall, citing Biblical passages that call on believers to seek God’s intervention during dry periods.
“Zechariah 10:1 encourages us to ask the Lord for rain. Kumbirai mvura kuna Mwari kana kusina mvura. Munopiwa. He brings the rain in the time of rain,” President Mnangagwa said.
The President also commended the church for its support of his administration and acknowledged its pledge to pray for the country and the ruling ZANU PF.
“I heard you pledged to pray for the country and the ruling ZANU PF. The party will remain in power and foster the country’s well-being. I am very happy with the work as a church that you are doing in driving support for the Government,” he said.
He further called for continued support for the country’s development agenda, including modernisation, industrialisation and economic transformation.
“I urge us all, including the development, modernisation and industrialisation of our motherland, our country. We must give honour and glory to all our people,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the Government’s development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind should also be reflected in the work of the church.
“Isu muZANU PF tinoti we leave no one and no place behind. Munhu wese pari anokwana muhomwe yemusangano wedu. Hapana anosiiwa,” he said, urging churches to work closely with Government in advancing national programmes.
The President also reflected on Highfields’ historical significance, recalling its association with the liberation struggle and the arrival of freedom fighters from Maputo who went on to intensify resistance against the Ian Smith regime.
“Highfields is a place where we came with liberation war fighters coming from Maputo to start waging a big resistance against the Smith regime,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the spiritual gathering was significant as it brought thousands of believers together in prayer, invoking Matthew 18:20, which speaks of Christ being present where two or more gather in his name.
“I am happy to be here with you. I appreciate the time taken to pray. I was happy to be invited here. Matthew 18 verse 20, Jesus says where two or more gather in God’s name, I too will be there. So, as we have gathered here, God is also here,” he said.
Johanne Masowe Chishanu Church leader Madzibaba Moses Masarira welcomed the President’s visit, describing it as a significant moment for the church.
“You are the first President to come here to this shrine and we are happy for this visit. If people of your stature come to visit here, it makes us humbled. We are fully behind your exceptional leadership,” Madzibaba Masarira said.
New Ziana
