Churches in Mwenezi East have launched a US$30 000 revolving fund to empower faith-based organisations to undertake income-generating projects and actively contribute to local development.
The initiative, led by Mwenezi East legislator Honourable Sheila Chikomo, was unveiled during a combined church service at Rutenga Growth Point, bringing together Christian denominations from across the constituency.
Launching the fund, Honourable Chikomo emphasised that churches must remain active participants in Zimbabwe’s development journey.
“We organised this combined service to foster unity among church denominations. As we begin a new year, churches must be part of our country’s development trajectory.
The US$30 000 revolving fund is designed to empower faith-based organisations to engage in income-generating projects and participate fully in all development programmes being implemented by the Government,” she said.
According to organisers, the revolving fund will be released in phases, enabling churches to embark on sustainable economic activities while strengthening unity among denominations and encouraging engagement in Government-led development programmes.
Church leaders described the initiative as a timely intervention, noting that limited access to funding has often constrained their community outreach.
“We appreciate Honourable Chikomo for organising this event and for supporting churches through the revolving fund. It strengthens our ability to work together and play our role in empowering our communities. We have many programmes running as churches, but sometimes what lacks is funding, hence we appreciate this initiative,” said Bishop Lyphet Matenda.
Bishop Eleck Mabhena echoed similar sentiments, adding that the combined service symbolised growing unity among churches in Mwenezi.
“This initiative of having a combined service has united us as churches in Mwenezi. Imagine, Pentecostal churches, the Zion Christian Church, various apostolic sects and traditional churches all coming together. It shows that our Government recognizes the church and is ready to work with us, and we respect that. As the church, we are also ready to partner the Government in programmes such as the fight against drug and substance abuse, which is now rampant in our communities,” he said.
Churches continue to play a vital role in nation-building by promoting unity, moral values and empowerment. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has consistently underscored the complementary relationship between the church and the State as Zimbabwe advances its development agenda.
