The church has joined the anti-sanctions campaign, with leaders from various churches holding a prayer meeting in Masvingo where they reiterated the need for the lifting of the embargo on Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe was once the breadbasket for Africa, excelling in agriculture among other sectors. The coming in of the sanctions has affected all sectors of the economy.
Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi who was speaking during an anti-sanctions prayer meeting held in Masvingo this Saturday, said given that Zimbabwe was the breadbasket of Africa, the sanctions imposed on her are not only hurting the local people but have far-reaching consequences even beyond the borders.
“You know I even named my firstborn Sanctions. Some say the sanctions are targeting a few, but those few are the ones key to running the economy. Africa sees Zimbabwe as the breadbasket, so they targeted the breadbasket of Africa.”
Zimbabwe Indigenous and Inter-Denominational Council of Churches (ZIICC) Chairperson, Reverend Andrew Wutawunashe said as evidenced by the tangible and visible development throughout the nation under the new dispensation, Zimbabwe has a golden opportunity to rebuild, something possible if the sanctions are lifted.
“It is clear to us that in implementing this new political dispensation in Zimbabwe, President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his administration have bent over backwards to try and meet the often near impossible demands being made by the sanctioning nations and has authored undeniable positive changes in the nation.”
Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Ezra Chadzamira said it is sad to note that some unguided elements within the nation actually call for sanctions.
He commended the Church for their stance on calling for the removal of sanctions.
“We want to thank you for standing with the government on the anti-sanctions call. Given that some people are actually advocating for the sanctions to remain in place yet they are hurting the economy.”
After the prayer meeting, a letter from Zimbabwean Bishops denouncing sanctions was presented to Cde Chadzamira for onward transmission to the SADC Chairperson, President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique.
