By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
THE wedding ceremony of President of the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ), Bishop Edgar Maireva and his wife Gladies, may go down as one of the biggest weddings in Beitbridge this year after it attracted high-profile dignitaries, including Vice President of Zimbabwe, Kembo Mohadi.
The star-studded occasion, held in Beitbridge, drew political, religious and community leaders, with many describing it as a celebration of faith, unity and family values.
Among the esteemed guests was the Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, who attended the event shortly after returning from the burial of his brother in Tshapongwe village under Chief Matibe in Beitbridge East.
Also in attendance was Thusani Ndou, alongside other senior government officials, church leaders and congregants from across the region.
Speaking during the occasion, Vice President Mohadi emphasised the importance of restoring family values and Christian principles in society, while officially launching an initiative aimed at strengthening moral values and family unity.
“We are also gathered to launch an initiative that speaks to the soul of our nation: the restoration and defence of family values and Christian principles in public,” said Mohadi.
“Marriage is the first institution ordained by God. It is the foundation of the family, and the family is the foundation of society. Today, we witness not only the union of two lives, but a public testimony that love, faithfulness, and commitment still stand,” he said.
He said the Second Republic had placed family welfare at the centre of national development under Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), particularly under the social development, gender equality and social protection pillar.
“We cannot build an upper-middle-income society on a foundation of broken homes, absent fathers and children without moral guidance. Economic growth must walk hand in hand with moral growth and social cohesion,” he said.
Addressing the gathering, Nguluvhe commended Bishop Maireva for leading by example and urged him to continue inspiring young people through positive leadership.
“You are a leader who ought to lead by example. Let the youth learn from you by refraining from drugs and embracing family values,” said Nguluvhe.
He applauded Bishop Maireva for fostering unity among churches in Beitbridge, saying collective action could bring transformation to communities.
“You have united churches in Beitbridge. If we remain united, nothing is impossible,” he said.
Nguluvhe also expressed concern over the increasing cases of child pregnancies in Matabeleland South, noting that Beitbridge was among the leading districts, a trend he said required urgent intervention through stronger family and moral guidance.
Meanwhile, MP Ndou pledged to assist Bishop Maireva in acquiring land for church development in recognition of his leadership and contribution to the community.
“We will assist you in acquiring a stand for the church, and when the project is complete, the Minister of State will officiate it,” said Ndou.
The wedding, which blended celebration with messages centred on faith, family and moral values, left many describing it as a memorable event that brought together influential leaders in support of marriage and community development.