Published by the government of Zimbabwe
George Maponga
13 November 2009
President Mugabe has paid tribute to churches in Zimbabwe for a "splendid partnership" with the Government that has seen some religious bodies complementing State efforts to develop the country since Indepe-ndence.
The President, who is also the Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, said the churches deserved praise for steadfastly partnering Government in engendering socio-economic development.
President Mugabe was speaking at Copota School for the Blind in Zimuto, Masvingo, yesterday, where he donated two tractors and two vehicles to the institution.
He also handed over furniture, 500 blankets, 500 mattresses, computers, and workshop equipment.
The items were sourced by Zvishavane-based platinum mining entity Mimosa Mining Company.
Copota School is run by the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe.
President Mugabe said the Church and the State played complementary roles in fostering development and raising standards of living.
"The Church and the State should work as partners.
"Ndizvo zvatinoda kutenda nhasi uno izvozvo. Chokwadi machechi arikuita basa guruguru uyezve hamusi kudzokera shure mubasa renyu rekushanda pamwechete nesu. Tinozvitenda izvozvo.
"We have said it before that we want a situation where the State plays its part on one side with the Church also playing its role on the other side, takabatana maoko nekuti vanhu vatinobatsira ndivamwe.
"We and the Church are partners in operations tichibatsira vanhu kuti mhuri yeZimbabwe ibudirire," said the President.
He said since Independence, Government had made it a policy to work with churches in developing the country.
President Mugabe said this was despite initial false perceptions that the post-Independence Government would not view churches favourably, probably because of the liberation movements' communist and Marxist leani- ngs.
President Mugabe praised churches for playing a crucial role in moulding citizens spiritually and morally, a task the State could not so expertly and patiently execute.
He hailed Zimbabweans for continuing with the work started by missionaries as evidenced by many churches that were now being led by local leaders.
He expressed satisfaction with the way indigenous people had managed to take over the running of most churches in the country.
The President added that churches deserved special praise for going the extra mile by focusing on the development of special demographic groups such as people with disabilities.
"Pane basa guru rinoitiwa namachechi ratinogona kusafunga isu seHurumende rinoda real patience nespiritual inspiration.
"Tinenge tisingafungi zvakanyanya kuti kune vakaremara sezvo basa redu risiri rekuona vakaremara chete asi chechi inozvipira kubatsira vakaremara ava.
"The Church develops these people with disabilities so that they become independent people with various skills and qualifications despite their disabilities; this needs real patience and must be applauded."
President Mugabe bemoaned the fact that there were thousands of disabled people who were wasting away in remote rural areas because no one was prepared to sacrifice towards their full development.
He said everyone could contribute to the national economy.
President Mugabe praised the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe for setting up a "unique institution" that catered specifically for the development of people with disabilities.
He urged the church leadership to continue partnering Government and devising ways of modernising and expanding the school for it to cater for people from outside Zimbabwe.
The President also showered praise on Mimosa Mining Company for its corporate responsibility programme.
He said it was pleasing to note that local companies were willing to help in uplifting people's living conditions.
Mimosa managing director Mr Winston Chitando said the donation to Copota School for the Blind was inspired by President Mugabe's passion to help people with disabilities.
Mr Chitando said his company was honoured to be associated with President Mugabe in assisting institutions such as Copota.
Established in 1918 in Chivi with only one student, the school now boasts an enrolment of over 300 at both primary and secondary levels.
The school also offers vocational training.
Yesterday's handover ceremony was witnessed by top Government and church officials.
Present were Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Stan Mudenge and Reformed Church in Zimbabwe moderator Reverend Enos Chomutiri.
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