By Happiness T. Chayerera
The Minister of Defence and Zanu PF national chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, delivered a rousing address at the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) Annual General Conference held at Rufaro Mission in Gutu, where she represented President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Addressing thousands of congregants, Muchinguri-Kashiri praised the AFM leadership for partnering government in nation building. She emphasized the synergy between the church and the state, stating
“A country is built by its people and prayed for by its people.”
She lauded the church’s contributions to national development through infrastructure such as schools, clinics, and various community-based initiatives. She also highlighted the Second Republic’s development agenda, including the push towards achieving an upper-middle-income economy by 2030.
Muchinguri Kashiri stressed that development is a shared responsibility requiring both physical effort and spiritual commitment. She urged the AFM Church to continue supporting national goals by embracing innovation, particularly in renewable energy projects, and pledged government support for such initiatives led by faith-based institutions.
Touching on rural transformation, she cited government programs like Village Business Units and land tenure reforms as key strategies to empower communities.
“The church is a pillar of hope. Our diversity must unify us as we raise morally upright generations and instill good business values in them,” she said.
The Minister also challenged the church to play an active role in tackling social issues, particularly drug and substance abuse, urging spiritual institutions to be vocal and proactive in moral guidance.
As the spirit-filled conference continued, Muchinguri-Kashiri reaffirmed that collaboration between the church and government is essential for sustainable development.
“Let us rise as one church and one nation to build Zimbabwe together,” she said, leaving the congregation with a message of unity, purpose, and hope.
