TellZim Reporter
A consortium of Churches under the banner Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) has challenged political parties to set aside differences in order to achieve development with such programmes like devolution.
The consortium, which is on a national tour of familiarising villagers with issues of devolution; is also urging the local community to actively air their voices on decision making when devolution projects are implemented.
Speaking in Makuvaza, Bikita (ward 4) recently, Bishop of Zion Apostolic Church Peter Makamba said only unity of purpose can make the country achieve its blue prints.
Bishop Makamba said many projects failed because there is no harmony between political parties in the country.
“For long, churches were excluded when government implemented their programmes. However, government has recognized that we should also play the ball as they seek to achieve long term visions like 2030, as we cannot really separate the church from affairs of the state.
“However, for us to achieve this, our political leaders should also sing the same hymn. As churches we are going to tell all the political parties to work together for the betterment of our country.
“We are a group of different churches but we are working together. If churches from different backgrounds work together, why not political parties? We will engage government time and again so that unity is realized. We need to live above all the differences. Everyone is a Zimbabwean and we should stop fighting. We need to see this country moving forward peacefully,” said Bishop Makamba.
Union For Development of Apostolic and Zionist Churches in Zimbabwe Africa (UDACIZA) coordinator for Bikita district Bright Maduyu said their organization will work with the local community, urging them to unite so that such demands are met.
“The devolution programme has come and it is the chance of the local community to benefit from the national cake.
“For long, decisions were made from the central government, but now it is their chance to speak with one voice and say what they need from the tax payers’ money. All this can be achieved when the community is united.
“We are urging them to stand with one voice since it is the grassroots which benefit not politicians,” said Mr Maduyu.
ZHOCD said it is working in Chimanimani, Bikita and Chipinge districts spreading awareness on devolution issues to the grassroots.
The organization said it received the grant from the European Union to implement the project.
