Unity among people is a powerful force: ED

SAMUEL NJINGA

“Unity among God’s people is a powerful force.”

With these words, President Emmerson Mnangagwa set the tone for one of Zimbabwe’s largest religious gatherings—the ZCC Mbungo Easter Passover Conference.

More than 100,000 congregants from across the country gathered in Masvingo for the annual pilgrimage, joined by top government officials in a show of solidarity between the State and the Church.

Although the President could not attend in person, his keynote address—delivered by Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe—carried a weighty message of faith, peace, and national cohesion. Delivered with spiritual conviction, the speech called on Zimbabweans to remain united and steadfast in building a prosperous future rooted in shared values and collective purpose.

The high-profile conference attracted a delegation of senior government officials, including Minister of Lands Dr. Anxious Masuka, Masvingo Provincial Minister of State Ezra Chadzamira, Minister of State Security Lovemore Matuke, and Minister Garwe.

In his welcome remarks, Minister Chadzamira thanked the Church for its steadfast spiritual leadership and unwavering commitment to the nation’s well-being. “Your prayers are the backbone of our peace and national cohesion,” he said.

President Mnangagwa’s message called on citizens to place their trust in God as the foundation for national development. “People must be able to depend on Jehovah God in building their nation, for it is He who causes their plans to succeed,” he said, reinforcing the conference’s theme: “Christ is our peace, He is the Prince of Peace.”

He emphasized the importance of unity in sustaining peace, warning against forces that threaten national harmony. “We are one people, one Zimbabwe. Nothing and no one must be allowed to sow seeds of division, disunity, or confusion among us,” the President declared.

Turning to global concerns, he urged Zimbabweans to extend their prayers beyond national borders—to the SADC region, the African continent, and the wider world—highlighting the universal need for peace and stability in times of conflict and displacement.

“Unity among God’s people is a powerful force,” he reiterated.

“It transforms individuals and communities into engines of national development.”

The President encouraged the Church to continue playing an active role in promoting peace and social cohesion. He called on citizens to harness their talents, energy, and faith to support Zimbabwe’s socioeconomic transformation, industrialisation, and modernisation.

“Let’s create communities where peace and unity flourish through love and forgiveness,” he said.

In his vote of thanks, Minister of State Security Lovemore Matuke applauded the leadership of Bishop Nehemiah for guiding the Church and influencing the nation’s moral and political direction. He also praised the Church’s role in addressing societal ills such as drug and substance abuse.