President Mnangagwa is expected to join thousands of congregants from various religious denominations at the 8th annual National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service in Bulawayo.
He arrived in Bulawayo yesterday afternoon.
The service is themed “Our Country, Our Opportunity – Celebrating the Progress and Acknowledging the Potential of Our Country, Zimbabwe.”
According to the official program, Vice President Dr Chiwenga will also attend the event at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC).
Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi, Patron of the Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches (ZIICC), is set to deliver an address before President Mnangagwa gives the keynote speech.
The first Zimbabwe National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service took place in December 2017, following the establishment of the Second Republic under President Mnangagwa’s leadership. He has attended the event annually since then.
The event is organised by the Faith for the Nation Campaign in partnership with the ZIICC. It serves as a vital platform for believers to connect with the country’s leadership in prayer for the nation, which is essential for the advancement and prosperity of any society.
Bishops from multiple denominations in the country, traditional leaders representatives, business sector leaders and several government officials are in attendance.
About 30 buses have been organised to ferry people around Bulawayo to attend the service.
Thousands of worshipers are gathered at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) Hall 4 in Bulawayo for the eighth edition of the National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service.
The annual event has been conducted since 2017. The service represents a collaborative initiative between the Faith for the Nation Campaign and the Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches (ZIICC), providing an essential platform for believers to intercede for the continued blessings and prosperity of Zimbabwe, while acknowledging the significant role of faith in the nation’s advancement.
Worshipers, some from neighbouring countries and Europe adorned in various colorful religious robes—some designed from the national fabric— sitting side by side, holding their Bibles and tambourines, exhibited a jubilant mood indicative of their eagerness to praise the Almighty.
The atmosphere is vibrant, characterised by ululation, singing, and dancing within the auditorium.
The diverse assembly of individuals from various religious backgrounds underscores the unity of the body of Christ, Ms Albertina Masuku, a participant said “It is a great privilege to be here this year.”
Mr Gilbert Mlambo of the Family of God Church echoed similar sentiments, “We are united in Christ. This spirit of unity will undoubtedly guide the nation through challenging times.”
Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Dr Omphile Marupi is part of the congregants at the National Thanksgiving and dedication service at ZITF.
Minister of Defense Oppah Muchinguri greets DIO Mbonisi Matunduluka after arriving at the venue of the 8th Annual National Thanksgiving and dedication service at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) Hall 4 in Bulawayo
President Mnangagwa has arrived at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) Hall 4 in Bulawayo for the 8th annual National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service
President Mnangagwa has arrived for the 8th annual National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service in Bulawayo amid thunderous applause from thousands of congregants.
The annual event is held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC) Hall.
President Mnangagwa was accompanied by Faith for Nation Campaign founder and chairperson Reverend Andrew Wutawunashe, Vice Presidents Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Cde Kembo Mohadi, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, and several religious leaders and Government officials.
This year’s National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service, hosted by the Inter-denominational churches is being held under the theme: “Our Nation, Our Opportunity — Celebrating the progress and acknowledging the potential for our country Zimbabwe”.
As the President and his entourage entered the auditorium, with the energetic youthful Family Voices on stage, and a traditional isiNdebele poet praising the Head of state, there were loud cheers as the procession was beamed on the large screens.
President Mnangagwa waved back at the worshipers. With President Mnangagwa being the SADC Chairperson, this year’s edition of the event assumed a regional dimension.
Representatives from SADC member states are part of the worshipers. Musicians from the region such as Mrs Mothibedi (Botswana), Mrs Gwanyanya (Zambia), Mrs Zengeya who is based in the United Kingdom belted out their popular songs.
Worshipers adorning different colorful religious robes—some designed from the national fabric— sitting side by side, holding their Bibles and tambourines, exhibited a jubilant mood indicative of their eagerness to praise the Almighty.
The atmosphere is vibrant, characterised by ululation, singing, and dancing within the auditorium
More to follow
Faith for Nation Campaign founder and chairperson Reverend Andrew Wutawunashe takes to the podium and starts by congratulating President Mnangagwa for attending the National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service since its inception in 2017.
In his remarks at the ongoing annual event, Rev Wutawunashe told President Mnangagwa that delegates from the SADC region were eager to interact with him.
“I would like to tell you that your Excellency most delegates from SADC, in one accord, are looking forward to hearing from you.
“We are elated to have you here with us,” said Rev Wutawunashe.
President Mnangagwa assumed the regional bloc chairmanship in August this year.
“Most delegates from SADC have said when they return to their countries they will recommend this platform to their clergy. This shows how important this service is,” he added.
With President Mnangagwa being the SADC chairperson, this year’s edition of the event assumed a regional dimension.
Representatives from SADC member states are part of the worshipers.
This year’s National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service, hosted by the Inter-denominational churches is being held under the theme: “Our Nation, Our Opportunity — Celebrating the progress and acknowledging the potential for our country Zimbabwe”.
Worshipers follow proceedings during the service
The Zimbabwe National Elders Forum (ZNEF) has reassured President Mnangagwa that a true brutal century-long colonial rule account that dispossessed indigenous Zimbabweans of their land and livestock will be documented.
The idea is to have the British government pay restitution to millions of people affected and restore dignity in the aftermath of the subjugation of indigenous Zimbabweans by the racist colonial regime.
Speaking at the ongoing 8th Thanksgiving and Dedication Service in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe National Elders Forum chairperson Bishop Felix Mukonowengwe said thorough research on affected people is ongoing.
He said they are working with traditional chiefs and a team of experts.
“We met with His Excellency and he told us to go and do a thorough research in all communities,” he said.
“We are now talking to experts, talking to people gathering tangible information to go with to the United Kingdom.
“Let us unite as Zimbabweans and move this program ahead. Over the years, people lost livestock to the whites, we need that to be addressed, livestock should be returned in the form of money. This will happen, President Mnangagwa.”
Rev Mukonowengwe, said while the history of the country under colonialism had been documented, the trauma experienced by indigenous Zimbabweans has not been fully recorded, which is what they hoped to achieve in the study.
The Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube says Bulawayo has demonstrated its commitment to unity in the country by hosting the prestigious thanksgiving prayer service.
She said the city is a symbol of untapped potential and exemplifies the rich opportunities that the country has.
In her welcome remarks at the 8th National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service in Bulawayo, Minister Ncube said Bulawayo remains steadfast to innovation and spirit of stewardship as the country forges ahead to be an upper middle-income society by 2030.
She also highlighted the spirit of forgiveness prevailing in the country. This year’s National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service, hosted by the Inter-denominational churches is being held under the theme: “Our Nation, Our Opportunity — Celebrating the progress and acknowledging the potential for our country Zimbabwe”.
THE Southern Africa Development Community is committed to peace and development, President Mnangagwa has declared.
Delivering his keynote address at the National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service in Bulawayo today, President Mnangagwa who is also the SADC Chairman said the regional bloc is for peace.
“Meanwhile, we thank Jehovah God that our SADC region is united in purpose to bring peace, development, and prosperity to all our people,” he said
“In this spirit, I recognise and warmly welcome those who are in this service from across the SADC region. Please feel at home, away from home.”
With President Mnangagwa being the SADC chairperson, this year’s edition of the event assumed a regional dimension.
Representatives from SADC member states are part of the worshipers.
This year’s National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service, hosted by the Inter-denominational churches is being held under the theme: “Our Nation, Our Opportunity — Celebrating the progress and acknowledging the potential for our country Zimbabwe”.
Church leaders from various denominations pray for the president and the nation
