President Mnangagwa arrived yesterday at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo in preparation for the eighth annual National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service, which will take place today at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre (ZIEC).
This year’s event, with President Mnangagwa serving as the SADC chairperson, will take on a regional focus, featuring representatives from SADC member states. The celebration will also include performances by prominent musicians from across the region.
The President was welcomed by Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Judith Ncube, and other senior government and ZANU PF officials.
Organized by inter-denominational churches, the service is themed, “Our Nation, Our Opportunity — Celebrating the progress and acknowledging the potential for our country Zimbabwe.” Since its inception in 2017, the annual gathering has highlighted the partnership between the Church and Government, offering a platform to celebrate Zimbabwe’s socio-economic achievements.
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Speaking at ZIEC yesterday, Reverend Andrew Wutawunashe, founder and chairperson of the Faith for Nation Campaign, confirmed all preparations were complete. He announced that 30 buses had been deployed across Bulawayo to transport attendees to the venue.
“This year’s service is dedicated to asking for the Lord’s guidance in all areas of our nation for the coming year while reflecting on and giving thanks for past progress,” Rev. Wutawunashe stated. “People from all denominations and walks of life are welcome to join in this celebration of gospel and unity.”
Rev. Wutawunashe emphasized the Church’s critical role in fostering nation-building, likening its support of leadership to the relationship between prophets and kings in biblical times.
He highlighted the need to counteract negative narratives that fail to recognize Zimbabwe’s development under President Mnangagwa’s leadership. “Demoralizing voices unfairly undermine the progress achieved since the Second Republic began,” he said. “The Church must inspire and encourage people, presenting an accurate and optimistic picture of the nation’s achievements.”
The service will bring together bishops from various denominations and serve as a platform to unify and motivate Zimbabweans through a faith-centered approach to national progress. Established at the onset of the Second Republic, the Thanksgiving and Dedication Service continues to symbolize the collaboration between the Church and Government in pursuing the country’s development goals.
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