By A Correspondent
On December 29, 2024, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa addressed a large congregation during the 8th Zimbabwe National Thanksgiving and Dedication Service in Bulawayo, preaching a message centered on unity, love, and gratitude to God for the progress the country has made. The President’s speech, however, raises the question: is his commitment to these values truly sincere, or is it a political move to solidify his leadership in the eyes of the public?
In his address, Mnangagwa spoke of the importance of love and unity, citing Biblical references that emphasized these virtues. He quoted John 15:12-13, where Jesus commands, “Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” He further proclaimed that “love, peace, unity and harmony are the greatest gifts that we must bequeath to future generations,” urging the people of Zimbabwe to embody these values in their daily lives.
Mnangagwa’s message of peace and unity was complemented by his assertion that the country is progressing under the Second Republic, with notable strides in agriculture, infrastructure, and economic development. He attributed these successes to the guidance of the Almighty, stressing that “our nation is being renewed day by day towards Vision 2030.”
In his speech, Mnangagwa also expressed gratitude to the Church for its role in nation-building, acknowledging the leadership of various denominations. “I particularly recognize the leadership of our churches for being godly spiritual shepherds,” he said, while also commending congregants for spreading the gospel and nurturing spiritual growth.
He made an emotional appeal to the youth, urging them to resist negative influences that might lead them to “hate or look down upon their own motherland.” “Open your eyes and hearts to truly love and be committed to the land of your birth,” Mnangagwa emphasized. This was particularly poignant as it came after years of internal strife and economic challenges that have made many Zimbabweans question the country’s trajectory.
However, while his words were uplifting, some might wonder if the President’s actions align with the message of love and unity he preached. Critics of Mnangagwa’s administration point to the ongoing economic hardships and human rights issues that persist under his leadership. Despite the President’s calls for prosperity, there remains significant skepticism about the government’s ability to deliver on promises of development and social cohesion.
The message of patriotism, echoed through Bible verses like Psalm 137, which calls on people to “prefer Zimbabwe above my own joy,” underscores a strong nationalistic tone. Yet, it begs the question of whether these calls for love and national unity are being genuinely embraced by the President’s policies, especially in light of the challenges facing many Zimbabweans today.
Mnangagwa’s address also touched on the country’s independence and the reclaiming of land, referring to Zimbabwe as a “land of valleys and hills,” rich in resources. He reminded the nation of its self-liberation, stating, “We are our own liberators.” This echoed the rhetoric often used by his government, emphasizing national sovereignty and the need for Zimbabweans to take ownership of their future. But some critics argue that while the President speaks of prosperity, tangible results remain elusive for many ordinary citizens.
Despite the lofty ideals presented in his speech, some Zimbabweans may question whether these values of love and unity will be truly realized under Mnangagwa’s leadership. As the nation moves forward, it will be up to both the government and the people to embody these principles in practical, everyday ways that uplift the country as a whole.
In conclusion, while President Mnangagwa’s sermon in Bulawayo undoubtedly carried a powerful message of love, unity, and patriotism, the sincerity of his commitment to these ideals remains under scrutiny. His government’s actions will ultimately determine whether the nation can move from rhetoric to real progress, and whether the gospel of love he preaches will be more than just words.