Story by Tafara Chikumira
The Zion Christian Church (ZCC) has expressed strong support for Zimbabwe as it prepares to host an important regional summit, with the church leader pledging to pray for peace throughout the event.
As Zimbabwe gears up to host the 44th SADC Summit in Harare this week, the ZCC sees the occasion as a significant opportunity for the nation to promote regional unity and collaboration.
Speaking to thousands of followers gathered at the church’s Defe shrine in Gokwe to commemorate Zuva raSamuel Mutendi, church leader Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi voiced his backing for Zimbabwe and President Mnangagwa, who is set to assume the chairmanship of the regional bloc during the summit.
“We extend our best wishes to Zimbabwe for a successful hosting of the SADC Summit. It is crucial that we pray for Africa and especially for SADC, as leaders from across the region will be here. We seek divine guidance for our leaders as they convene. This is a significant moment for Zimbabwe,” he said.
President Mnangagwa, represented at the event by the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr. Anxious Masuka, fulfilled his commitment to addressing the water scarcity at the shrine and in the surrounding areas.
“I have been sent by President Mnangagwa to convey that over the past two years, His Grace, Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi, and His Excellency have been in discussions, during which the Bishop highlighted the influx of congregants to this shrine every August. Recognizing the need for a long-term solution to the water shortage, President Mnangagwa promised to address the issue. As you know, Gokwe receives minimal rainfall, making it a dry region.
“In response, the President provided six boreholes to ensure water availability. Additionally, the President proposed the construction of a dam at a suitable location to further secure water resources for the congregants. The site for Defe Dam has been identified, and construction is set to begin soon,” he stated.
The event also featured a mass wedding ceremony, where 20 couples exchanged vows. The Zuva raSamuel Mutendi is an annual event dedicated to honoring the ZCC church’s founder, who passed away on July 20, 1976.
