Zimpapers Logo

Locadia Mavhudzi Midlands Correspondent
Religious leaders have been urged to embrace devolution as Government is committed to its full implementation that will ensure all Zimbabweans benefit from the natural resources in their localities. Addressing church leaders at a conference organised by the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance recently, acting chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio on Local Government, Rural and Urban Development and Shurugwi North National Assembly member Cde Robson Nyathi said churches must not isolate themselves from the devolution agenda as they have a role to play in the economic development of their communities.

“I urge you religious leaders to shun the idea that devolution is about political leaders. It is about the development of our country where everyone has a role to play. Section (2) of the Constitution obliges central Government to cede more powers to provincial councils for them to set local development priorities. You should be part of the provincial councils.”

He said the Second Republic seeks to facilitate the development of marginalised communities in all its activities. “Government commitment has already been shown by the allocation of $320 million towards the implementation of devolution in local authorities and provincial councils. As church leaders, you are now supposed to be giving your ideas on how best the remote areas can be developed since churches are always closer to the people.”

Cde Nyathi encouraged the church leaders to preach the gospel of peace and hard work among Zimbabweans as that was key to development.

“Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces are endowed with different natural resources. It is your duty as religious leaders to encourage our people to work hard and exploit the available resources to earn a better life.”

He also took a swipe at machete hooligans who are normally referred as MaShurugwi, saying the crime rate in Shurugwi has gone up.

“Let me take this opportunity to make it clear that there are some rogue elements from other places who commit crimes and call themselves Mashurugwi. They are abusing and tainting our homeland.

“The people from my homeland are not committing such crimes and I have since confirmed this with the police. The community in Shurugwi is busy with mineral, exploitation not violence,” he said.