MARONDERA- Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has called on all Zimbabweans
regardless of their political persuasions to be peaceful as the nation prepares for the 2023
harmonised elections slated for August 23.
He made the call when he gave remarks during the 56th commemorations of the Anglican
Church of Zimbabwe’s martyr, Bernard Mizeki in Marondera which was attended by
thousands of members of the church.
As he called for the church to pray for the country’s peace all the time, VP Chiwenga
lambasted violence before, during and after the polls.
He said: “As you might be aware, our nation is heading for the harmonised elections, where
we would be voting for our President, Member of Parliament representatives and those for
our local authorities be they in rural or urban. The elections will be held on August 23, this
year, that is in the coming two months.
“My appeal to you members of the church is that you have to pray for our nation so that the
elections are conducted in peace. Keep on preaching love towards one another, unity and
tolerance among the people of Zimbabwe. As Zimbabweans, let us bear in mind that elections
come and go. It is imperative that we conduct them in peace and harmony. We have to love
one another as children of one nation, in love and peace.
“We do not want these elections to derail the progress and good developmental works that are
being executed by the Government led by President Mnangagwa. That is all we are asking
you and every Zimbabwean. Why would we fight amongst ourselves? These elections will
come and go, but we will remain fathers, mothers, children, nieces, nephews or neighbours.
“The elections will be done in one day only and as we campaign for those whom we want to
represent us whether in councils, Parliament or Presidency, we should give peace, love,
tolerance and harmony a chance,” VP Chiwenga said.
The country’s Vice President commended the church for inviting President Mnangagwa to
the gathering and said it showed that the State and the church are on the same path.
“We are grateful for inviting us as well as Christians from other churches for this proves that
we serve one God. Through your invite we are here today accompanying our President and
this shows that our relationship with this church is strong and as Government we value it.
“This relationship comes of age, that is since the era of the armed struggle when we were
fighting for our liberation, till today. The church and State continue to work harmoniously
and this is shown where the church is building schools, hospitals, taking care of the orphans
and vulnerable members in our society, and also other development programmes.
Bishop Erick Ruona of the Anglican Church appreciated President Mnangagwa for agreeing
to their invite.
The Anglican Church, he said, has been vocal against discriminatory acts to Zimbabweans in
all sectors.
“Over the years, the leadership of the church disagreed with several and successive colonial
Government which suppressed the education of natives. Colonial Government wanted
uneducated cheap labour for mines and farms while the church established schools in rural
communities to empower Africans.
“Therefore, Your Excellency, our invitation to you was meant for two things – firstly to thank
you publicly, for the role you played to end the conflict in the Anglican church in the manner
in which you facilitated the travel and welcome of Archbishop Rowen Williams of
Canterbury then, to meet your predecessor after as a church and Bishops had failed to meet
him.
“The second reason to invite you is so that we have an opportunity to worship together and
ask God that peace that prevails continue to prevail during and after the harmonised elections.
Currently we appreciate the work you are doing in POLAD and also in Matabeleland.
“Such work is key to lasting peace and our prosperity as a nation. We acknowledge the
development work being done by your Government especially the monumental work of the
Beitbridge-Harare road construction and the several new dams. We pride in the fact that you
are using locally available resources, and finally allowing small scale miners also to thrive.”
