The Sunday News
Lungile Tshuma Sunday News Correspondent
ZANU-PF officials fighting for top positions at the party’s elective congress in December should not drag churches into their political fights as churches are more interested in sound development policies and not greedy and divisive individuals, Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) president Archbishop Johannes Ndanga said yesterday.
Speaking during the ceremony to appoint 66 bishops from different apostolic denominations in Bulawayo at the Large City Hall, Archbishop Ndanga said people wanted to see the success of Zim Asset and Zanu-PF officials fighting for positions should not then drag churches into the matter.
“Our vote was for sound development policies,” said Archbishop Ndanga. “Those who are fighting for positions should not include us. We are and will not be part of the fights. Churches do not support individuals, we do not go around picking and telling people who to vote for.
“You, comrades in the ruling party go and tell your colleagues to discuss their issues in the Politburo and argue your matters there. Please tell those that are aggrieved not to take their grievances to the media, we will not sympathise with them. We want you to tell us about Zim Asset because the economic blueprint is good and people centred.”
Archbishop Ndanga also said the economic challenges facing the country need spiritual intervention and urged the Government to engage churches.
“Long back leaders were given spiritual guidance. This is the reason why they were successful. Economic and political problems that we are facing now are caused by the lack of spiritual intervention,” he said.
He took a swipe at some prophets who are mushrooming across the country whom he said were causing divisions, conflicts and problems in the country.
Speaking at the same function, war veterans leader Cde Jabulani Sibanda said there was a notable decline in moral values in Bulawayo where even those expected to lead were raising silly and stupid arguments in parliament.
“This city is led by the devil. It is led by Satan,” said Cde Sibanda who went on to quote biblical verses in support of his observation.
“When politicians from this province stand up in parliament they call for legalisation of homosexuality. They say so full of confidence telling people that they were sent to say that by you, the people of Bulawayo.
“God did not allow homosexuality and it is up to you as bishops to restore the fast decaying moral values in the country especially in this region. You are our leaders and you should be like President Mugabe and Ndanga who said no to homosexuality in our country.”
Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Sithembiso Nyoni who was the guest of honour challenged the people of Bulawayo to be firm. She said the region was full of people who have the fear of the unknown.
“Fear has destroyed this region. People in this region are even afraid of speaking their own language. That is a sin. Fear is a sin. The Bible tells us to be confident and you therefore should be bold and confident,” she said.
“My ministry is prepared to assist churches and the communities at large to alleviate poverty. I therefore encourage you to go and form groups and write proposals for your projects. We are prepared to bring Zim Asset to the people, churches and to every corner of our society.”
Zanu-PF Politburo member and former Cabinet Minister, Dr Sikhanyiso Ndlovu also attended the event.
