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Blessings Chidakwa-Zimpapers Elections Desk

President Mnangagwa always says a country is ruled by its people, governed by its people, and prayed for by its own people, itself an earthly trinity that is reflective of the heavenly world, a philosophy which partly speaks of the unbreakable bond between state and religion.

In Zimbabwe, the country’s flag continues to fly, albeit at half mast, in respect of the late Archbishop Ezekiel Guti, who died on July 5 in South Africa.

The conferment of national hero status to the late founder of the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa Forward in Faith is a clear testimony of the cordial relations between the Church and State, the former’s key role being that of providing supplication and moulding God-fearing obedient citizens.

National hero status is the greatest honour one can be accorded regardless of political, religious or social standing in Zimbabwe, but a recognition of the unquestionable works one would have done.

Under the Second Republic, those who excel in their respective fields are honoured, among them the late international music icon Dr Oliver Mtukudzi, whose musical prowess was a cut above the rest.

He became Zimbabwe’s first musician to be accorded such honour.

Prof Guti, who was a global icon, a God-fearing man inspiring generations, preaching the gospel for more than seven decades, indeed deserved the national hero status recognition.

While accepting the national hero status, ZAOGA FIF national executive chairperson, Apostle Joe Guti said on behalf of the family and church, they were grateful for the recognition that Baba Guti deserved.

“He worked for 75 years preaching non-stop, demonstrating what Christianity is. God permitted him to live for 100 years of which we say the global church has benefited from that long life,” he said.

“He had a global impact on the whole world which is worth celebrating. We are here to appreciate this recognition.” 

Apart from spreading evangelism worldwide, Archbishop Guti is a man who championed the provision of social services in the country, including sponsoring the setting up of the Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University in Bindura as well as Mbuya Dorcas Hospital in Harare.

Other things owned by the church include several primary, secondary and dressmaking schools and the Ezekiel Television channel.

ZAOGA FIF secretary general, Apostle Michael Nyambo, said the church was grateful for the honour bestowed upon Baba Guti as his life inspired even those outside the church.

“We are more than glad about the national hero status conferment, thanking that works that were done by our father was open for all to see in Zimbabwe.

“The Government was witness to the works because he did not only start a church in Zimbabwe, but other things which benefit the citizens despite not being family members,” he said.

Amai Eunor Guti said her late husband was a God-fearing man, whose works did not go unnoticed globally.

“His teachings differentiated us from other nations since he taught us to be God-fearing, to fight poverty through working with our own hands so that we are empowered.

“He would change countries he visited, including Jamaica, where people used to rely on missionaries. In our church, congregants were empowered and worked with their own hands and managed to buy land which they are collectively building a church,” she said.

Speaking during a church service for Baba Guti recently, President Mnangagwa said Archbishop Guti lived an exemplary life, which must be emulated.

President Mnangagwa said the church should emulate Archbishop Guti, whom he described as “a true champion in promoting the welfare of the vulnerable, disabled, women and youth”.

“Going forward, it is our expectation that the church will continue to feel and carry the weighty responsibility of safeguarding, preserving and promoting the rich influence of our national hero, Professor Guti.

“The late national hero, Archbishop Guti, did not teach how best to live, he simply lived by example. Throughout, his life, he remained a man who exemplified the fatherly heart of Almighty God; a fervent intercessor, as well as passionate soul-winner, preaching the true and undiluted gospel of God.”

Archbishop Guti, he said, espoused values of discipline and encouraged continuous personal improvement through hard, honest work, as well as production and productivity.

“The school of talents — ‘matarenda’ — is one of his signature philosophies, which nurtured self-reliance at household and family level,” he said.

“We, the remaining generations, must come forward with our talents to serve our families, communities and the nation at large, as we build our motherland, Zimbabwe.

“As we celebrate the homegoing of the late national hero, collectively, let us never give up in our quest for a brighter future, through modernising, industrialising and growing our economy.”

The President described the national hero as a unifier, who believed in economic and social justice for all and championed transformative social initiatives in the health and education sectors to uplift the lives of ordinary people.

The national hero’s belief in hard work and productivity, added the President, should be inculcated in the younger generation to ensure the country’s growth and development.

“The Forward in Faith Children’s Home, dressmaking schools, Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University, as well as Mbuya Dorcas Hospital and Health Centre were established by the late national hero,” he said.

Apart from Baba Guti the State has enjoyed cordial relations with several other churches among them United Family International Church led by Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa.

President Mnangagwa attended church at Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa’s Chitungwiza temple over Easter. 

The President also visited several apostolic sects such as Johanne Masowe Vadzidzi vaJesu in Shamva and Mafararikwa Shrine in Mutare where the Johane Marange followers were having their annual passover feast last month.

President Mnangagwa was a guest of honour at the Bernard Mizeki annual pilgrimage where multitudes of Anglican Church members gathered.

In the spirit of upholding freedom of worship, President Mnangagwa this year also presented a vehicle to Father Innocent Ndlovu of the Roman Catholic St Joseph Parish of Matabeleland South Province for use at the church.

Vapostori and Zion for Economic Development, a Zanu PF affiliate canvassing support for the ruling party ahead of August 23 elections is also among those enjoying relations with the State.