Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. BULAWAYO has recorded over 500 teenage pregnancies since January amid calls for a stronger collaboration between churches and government institutions to address the growing threats of early pregnancies and drug addiction.
The statistics were revealed by Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Judith Ncube during the ordination of 52 bishops from the Council of Churches in Africa (CCA) at the Bulawayo Large City Hall at the weekend.
Ncube underscored the role of religious organisations as critical partners in confronting issues plaguing young people.
“The future of our children is in danger,” she said in her address.
“For example, here in Bulawayo, there is a rising number of child pregnancies, with the youngest mother being under 13 years of age.
“Statistics show that from January to date, we have recorded over 500 teenage pregnancies and it is a tragedy to imagine someone so young becoming a mother. We must unite to fight this.”
Ncube said faith-based institutions were uniquely positioned to influence moral behaviour and community values.
“We are calling on the church and its representatives to join hands with the government so that we can make our country proud by tackling this scourge of teenage pregnancies,” she said.
CCA president Rocky Moyo affirmed the church’s readiness to become an active force in addressing the youth crisis.
“As a church, we stand ready to work with the government in the fight against the scourges of teenage pregnancy and drug and substance abuse that are destroying our youth,” Moyo said.
“We are also willing to work hand-in-hand with the government to bring about peace, development and a brighter future for our nation.
“We appeal to the government to assist us in running our programmes.”
Concern was also raised about the increasing involvement of women in illicit drug networks, particularly those using food products such as cakes to distribute narcotics to minors.
Zanu PF national commissar Munyaradzi Machacha praised the long-standing alliance between religious organisations and the ruling party in advancing social and economic agendas.
“We share the same vision for this nation with the church, and we are equally eager to see Zimbabwe achieve its vision 2030,” he said.
“The church can play a significant role in motivating the entire nation to work towards this goal.”
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