By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
BEITBRIDGE was on Sunday filled with song, dance and prayer as churches and schools came together for a celebratory service organised by the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ), bringing together government officials, faith leaders and community members.
The event was a celebration of the elevation of Honourable Albert Nguluvhe to Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South.
All churches registered under ACCZ attended, including VaPositori neMaZion for ED, whose members travelled from Harare, as well as Zion and Apostolic churches from across the district.
Addressing the gathering, Hon Nguluvhe called for unity and collective effort in developing the province, saying transformation could only be achieved through cooperation among all stakeholders.
“It is only through working together that we can develop and transform our province. Our vision is to build a prosperous, economically vibrant and inclusive Matabeleland South, driven by citizen participation for sustainable development,” he said.
Nguluvhe said his priorities include economic growth, investment attraction, youth empowerment and support for local businesses, pledging to use a whole-of-government approach that leaves no one behind.
He also highlighted the role of churches in promoting peace, saying development thrives in stable and united communities.
“The church has a big role to play. When peace prevails, development is enabled,” he said, urging community leaders, councillors and local authorities to attend such gatherings and work together regardless of political differences.
National Chairperson Madzibaba Moses Gwasarira of VaPositori neMaZion for ED described the occasion as historic, saying church members had travelled from Harare to celebrate Nguluvhe’s appointment with communities in Matabeleland South.
He commended ACCZ President Bishop Edgar Maireva for organising the event, describing it as a symbol of unity and encouraging church leaders to continue engaging on community development issues.
The celebration ended with prayers and renewed calls for collaboration between churches, government and communities to promote peace and development in Matabeleland South.