The Sunday News
Debra Matabvu, Harare Bureau
FIRST Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has said Zimbabweans should remain strong and united in the face of a disastrous Cyclone Idai which devastated parts of the country, with the worst impact in Chimanimani and Chipinge in Manicaland province.
Addressing congregants at a national day of mourning service at the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (MCZ) Trinity Assembly in Harare yesterday, The First Lady called on the nation to turn to prayer in such times of need. She also thanked Zimbabweans for honouring the victims after President Emmerson Mnangagwa declared yesterday and today for national mourning
The Civil Protection Unit (CPU) say over 154 people died, while 187 remain unaccounted for after the cyclone induced rains.
“I want to thank you all for coming to this service despite it being a Saturday, I know some have set tomorrow as the day they will gather as denominations to mourn, but you have decided to do it today,” said the First Lady full with emotional.
“We are going through a painful phase as a country. There is a dark cloud over us and as human beings we might fail to comprehend it; that is why we need divine intervention now. However, we should remain strong, continue praying for the victims of the cyclone and know that our God is with us; and he will see us through it.”
Speaking at the same occasion MCZ presiding bishop Rev Solomon Zwana said Zimbabwe was going through a difficult phase that requires collective action.
“We pray that as God comforts the nation, he also comforts Amai Mnangagwa and The President, because of the huge responsibility that you are faced with,” he said.
“Go and tell the President that we are with you in our prayers. We also want to pray for Government. This is not the time for blaming each other and pointing fingers. It is a time for unity. It is time Zimbabweans must abandon the culture of hate language which is being perpetuated through the social media. It is high time we tolerate each other despite our differences and build our nation.”
Methodist Development and Relief Agency (MeDRA) director Mr Clever Tabaziba appealed to well-wishers to continue with a helping hand. The service was also attended by Minister for Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Prisca Mupfumira, deputy minister for Local Government, Public Service and National Housing Jennifer Mhlanga, former Senate president Edna Madzongwe, Ambassador Grace Mutandiro, Zanu-PF Politburo member Cde Cleveria Chizema and other Members of Parliament.
