Religious leader visits Musina

The mayor of Musina, Cllr Mihloti Muhlope, hosted the leader of one of the biggest churches in Zimbabwe, Dr Nehemiah Mutendi, the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, the Zimbabwean deputy minister of Agriculture, Davis Marapira, and thousands of worshippers at Musina Show Grounds on Sunday. 

A former school teacher, Mutendi is a highly respected religious figure and leader of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) in Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwean ZCC is independent from the South African ZCC based at Moria, outside Polokwane.

Mutendi was appointed leader of the church after the death of his father and the founder, Samuel Mutendi, in 1976. He received an honorary doctorate from the University of Zimbabwe in 2012 for leading the faith-based organisation into the development and spiritual brand it is today.

Dubbed the celebration of one year in Canaan, the special day was also meant to celebrate Mutendi’s 78^th birthday and the church’s achievements under his distinctive leadership for the past 40 years.  

When addressing congregants, he said he was overwhelmed by the warm reception from the leadership of the South African government and the Musina Municipality. He said he was also happy that his church was growing rapidly in South Africa. He added that it was God who held the key to everyone’s success in life. “We can all be successful, provided we pray unceasingly and ask God to help us. Prayer is the only thing that connects us with God and we should always use it to link up with Him.”

Min Motsoaledi said he decided to attend the event because the organization that he represented (the ANC) had been formed in church. “We should always keep in mind that the church has played a major role in our liberation struggle. Every government comes from God, including ours. That is why when we have challenges as both the ANC and government, we come to church and ask for prayers.”

Muhlope said that it was an honor to host thousands of worshippers. “The Lord has heard our prayers. Who ever thought a small town like Musina could host a big event of this magnitude? It is long that we have been waiting for this day, but we may indeed attest that the grace of God comes to those who wait patiently.”

Date:16 October 2017

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