By Patience Gondo
The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Hon Albert Nguluvhe has asked for forgiveness from people he may have wronged, while calling for unity, oneness and cooperation among leaders during a gathering of Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) churches held on Sunday to celebrate his elevation.
Nguluvhe said he does not compete with councillors or other political leaders, saying that although leadership roles differ, all office bearers are expected to work together since they have distinct responsibilities.
He warned local leaders against marginalising themselves by failing to attend public functions and community programmes, saying such conduct undermines collective efforts to deliver development.
The minister also urged communities in Matabeleland South to embrace hard work, particularly in farming and warned that a culture of dependency and reluctance to participate in productive work risks marginalising people from development opportunities available in the province.
“We have different roles and duties and it is only when we work together that we can develop our province,” Nguluvhe said.
He said development can only be achieved through a shared vision rather than rivalry and self sabotage among leaders.
Addressing church leaders and congregants from all ACCZ churches, Nguluvhe said his appointment by President Emmerson Mnangagwa should be viewed as a call to servant leadership grounded in humility, accountability and service to the people.
He said his focus as Minister of State will be on driving development in Matabeleland South through inclusive leadership, citizen participation and cooperation between government structures, local authorities, churches, the business community and communities.
Nguluvhe acknowledged the role of churches in promoting peace, saying development is only possible in stable and united communities.
He further said leaders and communities should work together to build a prosperous, inclusive and forward looking province, saying unity and cooperation are critical to achieving national development goals.