Cuthbert Mashoko
Centre News Hub
RUTENGA – Mwenezi East Member of Parliament and Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister, Sheillah Chikomo, has commended the Zion Christian Church Kumukakuvakafa (ZCCK) for complementing government efforts by investing in education and promoting peace and unity in the community.
Chikomo was the Guest of Honour at the church’s 50th anniversary celebrations held at Canaan Sub Headquarters on 8 August in Rutenga.
The event also marked Bishop Lyphet Mugaviri Matenda’s 43rd birthday and the official commissioning of a new classroom block and a solar-powered borehole at Canaan Primary School.
“I am glad that Bishop Matenda is not only focusing on prayers. He is empowering the community through education. He is complementing His Excellency President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa’s ‘Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo’ mantra, as evidenced by the infrastructural developments taking place at Canaan Primary School,” Chikomo said.
The church runs Canaan Primary School in Rutenga, which has been serving less-privileged children in the growth point since its establishment in 2009.
Speaking during the service, Chikomo cited Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all things will be given to you as well.”
“It is my pleasure to officiate at this occasion. I have a long history with this church. Even before I became a Legislator, the Bishops and the Elders Council prayed for me, and I believe their prayers were answered. Today I stand here as an elected Member of Parliament,” she said.
Chikomo applauded ZCCK for transforming the community through infrastructure development and challenged the school staff to make full use of the new facilities.
To support the church’s efforts, she donated building materials worth US$6,000 for a second classroom block, a Starlink kit to enhance ICT learning, groceries for congregants, and US$1,000 to the church’s Elders Council.
Mwenezi District Development Coordinator(DDC), Isaac Mutambara, praised Chikomo’s developmental work.
“Hon Chikomo is an amazing figure. She is still young, but she has done this constituency justice in a short space of time. Schools have received assistance, Village Business Units are thriving, she has funded projects for youths and women, and boreholes are being drilled. All this is testimony to the Presidential mantra of leaving no one and no place behind,” Mutambara said.
Schools Inspector Strike Ncube, who represented District Schools Inspector Shepherd Mapara, said Canaan Primary was progressing well.
“This school is now registered and has an enrolment of close to 300 learners. I am pleased to notify the audience that the district office has cordial relations with the Responsible Authority of the school,” Ncube said.
Bishop Matenda thanked all dignitaries and outlined plans.
“I would like to thank Hon Chikomo, Mr Mutambara and Mr Ncube for gracing this event. As a church, we are honoured. We will continue working to ensure that the vision of His Excellency President Mnangagwa is realised. We already have plans to expand this educational centre by starting a secondary school and a vocational training centre at Garare to equip our youths with skills,” Bishop Matenda said.
