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The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) has issued a reminder to churches regarding their tax obligations for income generated from sources such as selling merchandise, books, and anointing oil.
According to Public Notice 98 of 2024, issued on December 11, ZIMRA clarified that income accrued by churches from donations, tithes, offerings, or other contributions made by members or benefactors is exempt from tax.
However, income derived from trading activities, such as proceeds from the sale of church literature, books, music, and church-branded merchandise, is subject to income tax. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), wishes to inform all churches to an upcoming Stakeholder Engagement dedicated to addressing tax compliance across all applicable tax categories. This forum is part of ZIMRA’s ongoing efforts to promote transparency and provide support for compliance. The date and venue of the engagement will be communicated in due course.
Churches are reminded of the following important tax guidelines:
<h2>1. Exempt Income</h2>
The following types of income streams are exempt from income tax: Donations, Tithes, Offerings, and Contributions: Income received or accrued from donations, tithes, offerings, or other contributions made by members or benefactors of the church or its institutions. Non-Trading Receipts: Any income that does not arise from trade or investment activities conducted by or on behalf of the church or its institutions.
<h2>2. Taxable Income</h2>
Income derived from trading activities is subject to income tax. Examples of taxable income include but not limited to: Proceeds from the sale of church literature, books, or music, revenue from the sale of church-branded merchandise (e.g., apparel, anointing oils, artifacts, etc.), Income from the sale of meals, clothing, or similar items. Additionally, such sales may attract Value Added Tax (VAT) depending on the sales thresholds.
<h2>Outstanding Tax Returns and Payments</h2>
a) ZIMRA kindly reminds all taxpayers to register for all the applicable taxes and submit any outstanding returns as soon as possible. Timely submission of returns and payments helps you avoid penalties, interest and litigation. By staying compliant, you contribute to building a stronger and more sustainable economy. b) Returns should be completed in full and submitted on time, through the TaRMS Self-Service Portal https://mytaxselfservice.zimra.co.zw
c) Payments of all taxes are to be made in full, on time and in the applicable currency.
There are ZIMRA Self-Service Centres (Kiosks) throughout the ZIMRA Regions for use in submitting returns.
By voluntarily staying compliant, you contribute to a fair and sustainable tax system that supports national development.
ZIMRA remains committed to providing support and guidance to help you meet your tax obligations.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

ZIMRA, a tax authority in Zimbabwe, has told churches they must pay tax on money made from selling things like books and anointing oil. But money from donations and offerings does not have tax. Churches must register for taxes and pay on time to avoid penalties. ZIMRA is offering help to make sure churches follow the rules. Tax money helps the country develop and improve.

Render Unto Caesar: ZIMRA Declares Church Sales Of Anointing Oil And Branded Merchandise Taxable

The City of Harare has issued a two-month notice to the owners or administrators of indoor assembly venues, such as churches, halls, hotels, restaurants, schools, universities, colleges, cinemas, beerhalls, and sports clubs, to obtain certificates from the council’s Building Inspectorate offices or face penalties.
In a public notice issued on Tuesday, November 19, Harare Town Clerk Phakamile Mabhena Moyo said that some of these venues are operating illegally and will be shut down or penalised if they fail to comply within the next two months. Reads the notice:
<blockquote>
CERTIFICATES OF PLACE OF ASSEMBLY
To owners or administrators of the following:
(a) Indoor assemblies: (thus churches, halls, hotels, restaurants, schools, universities, colleges, cinemas, beerhalls, and Sports Clubs)
(b) Building Developers and others that occupy buildings of any such use, not specified above, where the building is used for public assembly.
The City of Harare is aware that some of the above-mentioned places of indoor assemblies are operating illegally (without Certificates of Place of Assembly) in violation of Section 9 of (Building Fees and Related Matters) By-laws of 1979.
In view of the above, Council is going to close down or penalise those who remain non-compliant in the next 2 months from the date of this Notice.
Owners of such buildings mentioned above are advised to visit Building Inspectorate offices at Cleveland House, 92 Leopold Takawira Street, Harare. Failure to comply with the above means penalty charges will also be levied on the owners’ rates account.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The City of Harare is telling places like churches and schools to get special certificates or they might get shut down. The notice also includes places like hotels, restaurants, cinemas, and sports clubs. If they don't get the certificates within the next two months, they will face penalties. The City of Harare says some places are operating without the right certificates, which is against the law. Owners of these places need to go to the council's Building Inspectorate offices to get the certificates or they will face charges on their bills.

City Of Harare Orders Churches And Other Indoor Assembly Venues To Obtain Certificates

The Heads of Christian Denominations in Zimbabwe (ZHOCD) have welcomed the recent statement made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, affirming his commitment to uphold the Constitution of Zimbabwe.
ZHOCD is an umbrella body that comprises prominent Christian organizations, including the Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ), the Union for Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe Africa (UDACIZA), the Zimbabwe Catholics Bishops Conference (ZCBC), and the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC).
In his address at the commissioning of the Mutare Teachers College’s fruit juice and water processing plant on July 4, 2024, President Mnangagwa pledged not to seek a third term in office, thereby reaffirming his respect for the constitutional mandate that limits the presidential term to two terms.
In a statement, ZHOCD praised President Mnangagwa’s public commitment, saying by refusing to extend his presidency beyond the legal limits, he has taken a significant step towards reinforcing democratic norms and promoting national unity in Zimbabwe. It said:
<blockquote>
Therefore, the Church calls upon all Zimbabweans to honour the President’s decision and to support him in the completion of his constitutional term. It also calls upon all Zimbabweans to embrace a spirit of peaceful and transparent leadership renewal. It is imperative that the process remains free from intimidation, violence, and manipulation to ensure national stability and the consolidation of our democracy.
</blockquote>
Despite Mnangagwa’s public commitment to respect the constitutional two-term limit, some ZANU PF structures have since called for the President to continue in office beyond his current term, which is set to end in 2028.
However, even if there were to be a constitutional amendment to remove the term limits, the incumbent president would not be able to benefit from such a change.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Churches in Zimbabwe are happy that the President said he won't try to be president for a third time. They think it's important to follow the rules and have peaceful leadership changes. The President's term is supposed to end in 2028, and even if they change the rules, he can't stay in power. The Churches want everyone to support the President and have a fair and peaceful process for choosing the next leader. They think it's important for the country to stay stable and democratic.

Churches Welcome ED's Pledge Not To Seek A Third Term

Bishop Rocky Moyo, the president of the Council of Churches in Africa, has urged the church, particularly traditional churches, to discuss sex issues, rather than leave the youth and teenagers at the mercy of misleading information from the internet.
Moyo said newspapers are full of reports about teenage pregnancies and teenagers who have joined the sex work industry, and this is partly attributable to the church’s failure to discuss sex issues. Moyo said (via <a href="https://bmetro.co.zw/preach-about-sex-in-churches-bishop/">B-Metro</a>):
<blockquote>
I’m an avid newspaper reader, so I keep up to date with current affairs. One issue that has hit me hard is the issue of teenagers falling pregnant, after that, they stop coming to church and some adopt delinquent behaviours and join the sex work industry.
In some cases, after the teen falls pregnant, she drops out of school. Some youths desert their families while some stop attending church services as they would be depressed and ashamed of being labelled all sorts of names.
Some of the church members are the reason behind the depression as they are quick to accuse the girl of being promiscuous, but they do not blame the boy who would have impregnated the girl.
</blockquote>
Moyo said churches should have literature on sex that is specifically tailored for teenagers as this will help them make informed decisions rather than letting them rely on internet information.
A Brethren in Christ Church (BICC) reverend who chose not to be named told B-Metro that the issue of sex is rarely discussed at their church. Said the cleric:
<blockquote>
At our church, the issue of sex is rarely discussed and is discussed at Youth camps only and that is once or twice a year.
Sadly, some of the youths do not attend camps and they are left at the mercy of wrong information.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Moyo said some churches find it difficult to discuss the issue as parents and their children would be in the same room.
Zimbabwe’s teenage pregnancy rate stands at approximately 22%, placing the country at position 28 out of 54 on UNICEF’s early childbearing list.
Teenage pregnancy has significant psycho-social, economic, development, and health costs.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Church Bishop Calls For Sex Education In Churches

Former Norton MP, Temba Mliswa, has criticised the Citizens’ Coalition for Change (CCC) and churches for doing nothing to push for the release of <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala">Job Sikhala</a> from prison.
Sikhala is a lawyer and former opposition lawmaker who has been in pre-trial detention at Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison since June 2022.
He was arrested in June 2022 and charged with inciting violence when he allegedly threatened to avenge the murder of an opposition activist, <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Moreblessing_Ali" title="Moreblessing Ali">Moreblessing Ali</a>.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), Mliswa said the church has failed to play its role as the conscience of society by not vigorously calling for Sikhala’s release from prison. He said:
<blockquote>
This lack of initiative in the Sikhala case also extends to the religious community. Churches have utterly failed to be the conscience of society as they should also be speaking out and making moves to have political prisoners like Job released.
There are many activities that churches can organise to raise pressure against authorities. As an individual I will also do my part as the plight of Job cannot be accepted as a societal norm.
</blockquote>
The former Dynamos Football Club fitness trainer also castigated CCC for failing to come up with initiatives to push for Sikhala’s release. He said:
<blockquote>
People on my back harping about me blaming the victim in the Job Sikhala case are missing the point.
Whatever injustices committed against Sikhala by those who have unjustly jailed him don’t absolve his own comrades from taking their own initiatives to alleviate his situation.
No wonder Sikhala himself has written about betrayal as reported by [The NewsHawks]. It’s because of the absence of these issues which I have cited. It’s as simple as that.
The opposition has its own responsibility which doesn’t disappear because they are the victim.
We all know the injustices being committed against Sikhala and those who have the powers and levers to change that.
However, as the team on his side, the opposition has its own sphere of influence and responsibility which mandates they have to act and not simply be pliant.
</blockquote>
Mliswa believed there are a lot of things CCC can do to alleviate Sikhala’s suffering, such as setting up a Trust to support him. He said:
<blockquote>
Moral and financial support has nothing to do with power. Standing in solidarity and putting up his son as a candidate has nothing to do with the Government.
Setting up a Trust to support him and his family, even all other arrested opposition members, is also within its purview.
I have been arrested over 60 times&amp; know what the situation is like for a victim. You can’t tell me about being a jailbird.
Thus I still ask my question, what have you done to stand with Job? There should be a clear standpoint on how a party responds and acts in such situations.
How you react when your member is unjustly treated by the Govt engenders trust and confidence in the rest of the opposition family.
This lackadaisical approach to Job’s case feeds more flesh to conspiracies that he may be inside with the silent agreement of his factional enemies.
Instead of boycotting against ED which practically yields nothing, there should be mass action for Job, calling for his release from prison.
You can’t be like ZANU PF which treats as an enemy anyone who contradicts specific ways of its operations. Criticism can be useful.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Churches Should Demand Job Sikhala's Release, Says Mliswa

The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has reiterated its call for “honest and inclusive dialogue” after the disputed 2023 Harmonised Elections.
ZCC represents mainline churches such as the Roman Catholic Church, Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church of Africa, Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Salvation Army.
In a statement released on 06 September 2023, ZCC commended Zimbabweans for voting peacefully and the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) for maintaining peace and order across the country during the polling days.
However, ZCC said it noted “significant flaws” which include delays in the opening of polling stations, shortages of voting materials, coercion, missing names in the voter’s roll, electoral disinformation, and intimidation of voters especially in rural areas. 
Read the full statement by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches below:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) would like to commend the people of Zimbabwe for conducting themselves in a peaceful manner during the just-ended Harmonised Elections that were held on 23 and 24 August 2023.
The Church would want to applaud all the political parties for respecting the Peace pledges that they signed pledging to promote and maintain peace before during and after the Harmonised elections.
This election process was subsequently followed by the inauguration of the President, His Excellency Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa as the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe on 04 September 2023 after being declared the winner by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission.
This will be followed by the swearing-in of the Members of Parliament and Ward Councillors. The Church however notes with concern the disputes over results and the expression of dissatisfaction by the opposition and frustration among some of the people of Zimbabwe.
The Church expresses its disappointment in that though the elections were soaked in prayer resulting in peace, tolerance, and restraint, they fell significantly short of the elections we wanted and prayed for, as they have once again produced a contested electoral Presidential result.
The Church notes with concern that the results of this election process show that our country is deeply divided.
The deepening polarization between urban and rural voters, younger and older voters, as well as richer and poorer voters, requires urgent redress through a holistic process of nation-building and envisioning.
The ZCC election observation missions noted that the August 2023 elections were characterised by significant flaws, chief among them being the delays in the opening of polling stations and the shortages of voting materials which resulted in some polling stations suspending voting as they waited for additional supplies.
Voters also faced challenges due to coercion, missing names in the voter’s roll, electoral disinformation, and intimidation of voters especially in rural areas.
We also express great concern over the role that Forever Associates of Zimbabwe (FAZ), a non-governmental organisation affiliated with the ruling party, played in the whole electoral process.
The exit poll survey that was allegedly led by the organisation resulted in widespread intimidation of voters since it involved the taking down of voters’ personal details.
The administrative challenges of the elections manifested, starting with the delimitation and nomination court processes.
Subsequently, the results have further polarised the country and sowed deep divisions that need all critical stakeholders to come together and find a path to the desired future.
As the Church, we commend the President, His Excellency E.D Mnangagwa, for extending the polling day to the 24th of August 2023 after recognising the challenges that manifested on the 23rd of August 2023.
We further appreciate the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) for maintaining peace and order across the country during the polling days, including their efforts to remove the exit survey desks that were set up largely in rural polling areas as a means to coerce the electorate.
We commend the Christians and all people of Zimbabwe for the prayers that contributed to the peaceful pre-election environment, and the resultant peace and restraint in the aftermath of elections.
The peace and tolerance that was demonstrated by all Zimbabweans during this election is something we seek to guard jealously as we continue to pray and make efforts to maintain peace.
In this post-election period and given the glaring challenges we faced with the election as well as the subsequent disputes, the Church calls upon political parties, their leaders, Chapter 12 Commissions, Traditional Leaders and the people of Zimbabwe to remain hopeful and calm and work towards building unity as the nation navigates the way forward.
The Church reiterates the call for the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to be fully transparent and release the results that are verifiable and auditable.
This is not only important because it’s mandated by the Law, but it enhances people’s trust and confidence in elected leaders and is essential in building unity, love, and peace as we all seek to work together for the betterment of our country.
As the Church, being cognizant of the deep divisions and polarity the elections have created, and the desire of Zimbabweans for peace, their love for each other and the need for unity, the Zimbabwe Council of Churches reiterates its call for honest and inclusive dialogue and engagement towards establishing a firm foundation for the transformation of our country.
The Church will continue to prayerfully engage all stakeholders including Civil Society, Independent Commissions, Security Sector and political players seeking to build a better Zimbabwe through dialogue, engagement and national reimagination.
We call upon the people of Zimbabwe to unite and pray for our political leaders and all key stakeholders to seek God’s wisdom as we collectively work towards finding a lasting solution to the challenges we are faced with.
By promoting peace, cohesion, harmony, and tolerance, we sow the seeds for a Zimbabwe that is peaceful, united, prosperous, and harmonious (Psalms 122:7-8).
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Churches Call For "Honest And Inclusive Dialogue" After "Flawed" Polls

Zimbabweans gathered on Sunday to pray for peace ahead of general elections scheduled to take place on 23 August 2023 amid fears of vote rigging and violence.
Dozens of worshippers gathered for a service at a church facing a dusty street lined with market stalls in Harare’s oldest township of Mbare.
One of the worshippers, Apostolic Faith Mission pastor Edson Mukaro, said:
<blockquote>
We are praying for a peaceful environment. We are just encouraging our people to be objective, peaceful, and to do everything in order.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe has a long history of disputed elections, marred by violence and allegations of vote rigging.
In 2018, the main opposition presidential candidate, Nelson Chamisa, rejected the poll outcome after the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) declared the incumbent, Emmerson Mnangagwa the winner with just over 50% of the vote.
Chamisa claimed the results were rigged and took up the matter to the Constitutional Court but the judges ruled that he had failed to provide evidence to back the allegations.
Violence erupted a day after the elections and the army opened fire on opposition protesters, killing six people.
Chamisa, a pastor who is in his mid-forties, is the main challenger to Mnangagwa.
Politics and religion are often intertwined in Zimbabwe where Pentecostal/evangelical and indigenous churches have openly sided with Mnangagwa’s ZANU PF.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zimbabweans Pray For Peace Ahead Of General Elections

A High Court judge has called for the enactment of laws that make it mandatory for founders of new churches to be holders of at least certificates in theology to curb abuses perpetrated by bogus religious leaders.
Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Maxwell Takuva said that there should be strict requirements for the formation of new churches to eradicate cases of child sexual abuse and early child marriages.
He was speaking during the official opening of the 2023 Legal Year on Monday. The <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/regulate-churches-to-curb-child-abuse-judge/">Chronicle</a> quoted Justice Takuva as saying:
<blockquote>
The legislature, in my view, should consider introducing a draft law on religious freedoms and worship to discipline some behaviour and excesses of certain religious denominations.
The new law may provide for the requirements for the registration of a new religious organisation.
It would be of some assistance in my view to have as a requirement for the establishment of a new church, that its leaders must at least hold a certificate in theology.
The question then becomes whether or not it is desirable for the State to regulate the activities of certain religious groups and churches in this country.
In my view, the State should step in to regulate the activities of those religious groups or institutions with obscure purposes for example those which promote child marriages and child sexual abuse.
</blockquote>
Some churches, especially white garment religious sects, have been accused of abetting the sexual exploitation of young women by turning a blind eye to early child marriages.
Early child marriages are prohibited in the country in terms of the law and the New Marriages Act.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

High Court Judge Wants Church Founders To Have Theology Certificates

Churches under the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) are urging eligible citizens to register to vote in the upcoming general elections.
The churches have incorporated the “Pray, Register to vote and Vote” theme into their main Sunday programmes.
ZCC general secretary Wilfred Bimingo told <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/local-news/article/200008447/churches-join-voter-registration-blitz">NewsDay</a> that Christians should understand that voting is a God-given right. Said Bimingo:
<blockquote>
Previous elections in the country have been violent and it had distanced the people of Zimbabwe, including Christians, from the electoral process.
We launched this campaign to educate and encourage people to vote, especially in the upcoming elections.
It does not focus on registration alone but on all other electoral processes. We are targeting young people.
People should exercise the democratic right to vote, which also is a right given by God.
We have seen an improvement in the participation of Christians in electoral processes following the launch of this campaign.
</blockquote>
According to ZEC, 5 804 975 people were on the 2023 voters’ roll as of April 2022, against an eligible voter population of 8 738 628.
ZEC is set to conduct its last voter registration blitz that will run from 12 to 21 March 2023.
More: <a href="https://zero.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pray, Register To Vote And Vote - Churches

Mothers who are members of Apostolic sects, who are referred to as madzimai, have resorted to sneaking to clinics behind their husbands’ backs to vaccinate their babies against measles.
Some Apostolic sects consider vaccination taboo and forbid members from getting medical care insisting that all their health problems are solved through prayers.
Adherents put their faith in prayer, holy water and other measures to ward off disease or cure illnesses.
Zimbabwe has been grappling with a deadly measles outbreak since April 2022 which has killed more than 700 children across the country.
Many were unvaccinated because of religious reasons, Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said.
At Mbare Polyclinic in Harare, some women were taken to the back room to get their children vaccinated in secret, and in defiance of religious doctrine that forbids them from using modern medicines.
Lewis Foya, a nurse at the clinic told The Associated Press that the advent of the measles outbreak saw children dying so they are now coming secretly to get help. He added:
<blockquote>
They have a belief that if they get vaccinated, they become unholy so that’s the doctrine that they pass down to the women.
</blockquote>
Foya said the patriarchy in the church means women have “no power to openly say no” to instructions.
As a result, to save their children, some mothers visit clinics in secret, sometimes under the cover of the night and without their husbands knowing.
At the Mbare clinic, one mother who identified herself as Winnet Musiyarira said people had learned from the vaccine hesitancy prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. She said:
<blockquote>
A lot of people were misinformed during that COVID-19 period because they were told that when you get vaccinated there will be after-effects.
So due to that a lot of people lost their lives and it was important for everybody to take that seriously.
So when I heard about measles I just said I have to take my kids to the hospital and get them vaccinated.
</blockquote>
Musiyarira said she wasn´t a member of a religious group but some were women wearing matching white headscarves to indicate they are part of an Apostolic church and were at the Mbare clinic to get their children vaccinated secretly.
The women, however, declined to speak to The Associated Press for fear of reprisal from church leaders. | <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap/article-11238093/Secret-vaccinations-help-Zimbabwe-mothers-protect-children.html">MailOnline</a>

"Madzimai" Vaccinate Children Secretly In Defiance Of Church Doctrine

The government has partnered with churches to drive the national vaccination campaign under a programme code-named Operation Marah.
Under operation Marah, churches can invite Government vaccination teams to vaccinate members against COVID-19 at church premises.
This comes after the Government last month relaxed COVID-19 restrictions to allow church gatherings for fully vaccinated worshippers.
Speaking at the launch of the programme on Sunday, Child and Health Care Deputy Minister Dr John Mangwiro said the acceptance of vaccination by almost all churches was a positive boost that would complement Government’s efforts to fight the pandemic.
He encouraged church leaders to continue educating and encouraging their members to be vaccinated for their safety and that of the nation.
Under the scheme, outreach teams will be assigned when churches have arranged members to assemble at a suitable central point for vaccination.
Deputy Minister Mangwiro reiterated that a second jab can be received in any town or area.
Zimbabwe Indigenous Inter-denominational Council of Churches (ZIICC) chairman Andrew Wutawunashe said the church fully supports the vaccination programme.
He said as a demonstration of the churches’ commitment to embracing the vaccination programme, bishops, pastors and leaders from several denominations had brought their congregants to be vaccinated.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/govt-partners-churches-on-vaccination/">The Herald</a></h4>

Govt, Churches Partner Under "Operation Marah" To Vaccinate Christians

The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has implored church leaders to encourage their followers to adhere to COVID-19 protocols, as well as urge them to get vaccinated against the disease.
Speaking during a virtual COVID-19 response workshop on safe funeral management hosted by ZCC in partnership with the Health and Child Care ministry, ZCC secretary-general Kenneth Mtata said:
<blockquote>
Faith leaders are crucial in dispelling myths and misconceptions around COVID-19. Of late, they have been instrumental in ensuring that believers have the right information on vaccines as well as promote uptake of vaccines within the church.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, on Wednesday Cabinet resolved that churches can resume services, but only for fully vaccinated congregants who have had both doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
Congregants will also be required to wear masks, observe social distancing and sanitise on entry. Church leaders and congregants who breach the rules requiring double vaccination and other precautions will be arrested.
No limit was placed on the number attending a particular service, but previously the number was capped at 50.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/08/churches-should-champion-covid-19-fight/">NewsDay</a></h4>

Church Leaders Should Dispel Myths Around COVID-19 - ZCC

Religious organisations in Gweru, Zimbabwe’s third-largest city have converted factories into churches following two decades of deindustrialisation in the once economically vibrant city.
A survey recent survey by The NewsHawks revealed that the giant chimneys that used to discharge smoke now churn out religious hymns and prayers.
Gweru used to be home to thriving companies such as Zimcast, Fort Concrete, Radar Castings, Kariba Batteries and David Whitehead.
However, the firms have shut down in the past two decades, rendering thousands of workers jobless.
According to a recent ZCTU report, new players in the industry operating at full capacity included Chinese companies such as Jin An, Xin Yu and Nelson Holdings.
One Josphat Muroyiwa, who attended a service by charismatic preacher Walter Magaya’s PHD Ministries last Sunday on premises that used to house Cembee furniture manufacturers told The NewsHawks that rentals in the industries are lower than in some parts of the city, for example, the Central Business District (CBD).
Cembee used to employ hundreds of people who made quality furniture, but the building located behind Dairibord is now home to PHD Ministries’ Gweru church.
Gweru mayor Josiah Makombe said Council has offered churches facilities to conduct their services in, but they prefer closed industries. Said Makombe:
<blockquote>Although as a local authority we have facilities that can be hired by various organisations including churches, most churches however prefer to take space in the closed industries as they are cheap and affordable.
We also used to collect revenue through rates when the industries were fully operational, but now the situation has changed.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://thenewshawks.com/gweru-factories-converted-to-places-of-worship/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NewsHawks</a></h4>

Gweru Factories Converted To Places Of Worship

The government has banned religious organisations from holding their gatherings in schools in a move meant to protect teachers and learners from the coronavirus scourge.
Religious organisations, Christian denominations included, renting school premises have been told to find alternative places for their services.
The development was confirmed by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education director of communication and advocacy Taungana Ndoro. He said:
<blockquote>Yes, I can confirm that churches have been banned from using classrooms or school premises for conducting church services in line with measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The move is meant to protect pupils and teachers.</blockquote>
This is the second time that the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has banned religious denominations from holding services in schools.
Last year, Education Minister Cain Mathema banned the use of schools before the writing of the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) 2020 June examinations.
Meanwhile, Gweru Mayor Councillor Josiah Makombe said many churches were now conducting their services in closed council beer halls.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/ban-on-schools-worship/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

Churches Banned From Holding Services In Schools

Exiled former cabinet minister Professor Jonathan Moyo has criticised MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa for urging the government to reconsider reopening churches under the current level 4 national lockdown.
In his address to the nation on Thursday, Chamisa, who is an ordained pastor and lawyer argued for the reopening of places of worship under strict regulations. He said:
<blockquote>We must allow churches to open for a controlled number of people provided there is social distancing, masking, and other Covid-19 protocols.
To our bishops, pastors, the church body, intercessors, and believers, we encourage you to continue to stand in the gap to pray for our nation.</blockquote>
However, Professor Moyo dismissed Chamisa’s call for divine intervention saying science should lead in the fight against the novel coronavirus. Moyo tweeted:
<blockquote>COVID-19 is a medical challenge of science that requires a scientific solution. Anything else is mumbo jumbo.</blockquote>
Moyo’s sentiments did not go down well with former MDC Alliance lawmaker for Binga North Prince Dubeko Sibanda who came out guns blazing in defence of Chamisa. He said:
<blockquote>Where’s science when people are dying in large numbers in the USA, UK, and EU?
Science works hand in hand with the spiritual? We can’t close out one while opening the other.
Why are supermarkets opening? Why are banks opening? Why are Zupco buses moving?
For the same reasons allow places of worship to open.
Then we demand strict adherence to the protocols.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Friday extended the national lockdown by another 10 days to the 15th of February.
As of 29 January 2021, Zimbabwe had 32 952 confirmed cases, including 24 872 recoveries and 1 178 deaths.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zimlive.com/2021/01/29/jonathan-moyo-slams-mumbo-jumbo-chamisa-push-for-churches-reopening/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZimLive.com</a></h4>

Jonathan Moyo Lambasts Chamisa For His Call For Churches To Reopen

In a bid to intensify its fight against graft, Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission (ZACC) has decided to rope in churches to help them fight corruption, the Daily News reports.
The development came to light yesterday at a workshop seeking to address the implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) in which leaders from various church denominations were in attendance.
Speaking at the workshop, ZACC Chair Justice Loice Matanda Moyo in her lengthy address said;
<blockquote>Research has shown that 85 to 87 percent of Zimbabweans belong to a religious group. To this end, religion or the church is bequeathed with the responsibility to inculcate good values, including teaching the nature and effects of corruption.
From this research, it, therefore, follows that, in every institution, public or private, there are more people who are religious as compared to those who may not be. Thus, the religious people either participate in corruption or they choose not to report corruption
I have no doubt that senior government officials, civil servants, members of independent commissions, local authorities and even officials in the private sector are church members to various denominations which are ably led by pastors here present. It is, therefore, the role of the church to pray for us as leaders. If leaders are corrupt then churches should be blamed for not fulfilling their role.</blockquote>
<blockquote>We have all felt the social, economic and business impact of corruption in all sectors of our country. Many churchgoers are struggling to make ends meet in their everyday lives, and we feel the pinch of reality just like everyone else. Believers are not exempt from trials of this country and the world. We are living in perilous and drastic times. Drastic times call for drastic measures. There is just something about churches that society finds in times of tragedy and hardship.
Currently, we are facing this menace of corruption. People have lost hope; there is loss of critical moral values, increased poverty, broken families, drug abuse, loss of life, poor service delivery among others. However, the church should preach hope, and love. Once love is present, love for yourself and neighbour there is no room for greed.
The role and importance of the church in the community therefore cannot be overemphasised. The church is the lifeline of any society. It keeps people grounded and instils change in people’s lives. The church has to be involved in every facet of the life of a believer. I am sure that you may have noticed that people tend to flock to churches at the time of crisis be it personal or national tragedy.</blockquote>
ZACC has introduced a cocktail of measured to investigate, combat, and discourage corruption <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/07/22/zacc-commissioners-told-to-bare-their-teeth-and-not-act-like-toothless-bulldogs/">but it still has very few convictions.</a>
More: <a href="https://dailynews.co.zw/zacc-ropes-in-churches-in-corruption-fight/">Daily News  </a>

ZACC Solicits Churches' Help In Fighting Corruption

The Zimbabwean government has allowed churches to continue holding their services under the more restrictive lockdown regulations.
Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Ndavaningi Nick Mangwana said worshippers can hold service but should observe several health guidelines. He said:
<blockquote>For the avoidance of doubt, churches can hold services under the following conditions;</blockquote>
<ul>
<li>
<blockquote>They should disinfect the premises before and after each service.</blockquote>
</li>
<li>
<blockquote>They should have facilities to wash hands or sanitise hands</blockquote>
</li>
<li>
<blockquote>Temperature checks</blockquote>
</li>
<li>
<blockquote>Everyone is masked</blockquote>
</li>
<li>
<blockquote>Physically distanced sitting</blockquote>
</li>
</ul>
According to <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/police-disperse-5-000-sect-members/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a>, on Saturday last week police dispersed more than 5 000 members of the Johane Marange Apostolic Church who had gathered on the outskirts of Masvingo for their annual Passover ceremony.
The congregates were instructed to return to their homes after violating COVID-19 social distancing rules which do not allow a group exceeding 50 people to congregate.

Churches Permitted To Hold Services, Under Certain Conditions

Churchgoers countrywide have celebrated the government’s decision to allow congregants to congregate in groups of 50 ever since the lockdown started on 30 March 2020, The Chronicle reports.
Churches who had resorted to virtual services are happy to go back to worship at their congregation points as witnessed in this interview apostolic sect leader Madzibaba Mutumwa’s had with the publication. Mutumwa said:
<blockquote>We are grateful for the move by the President to allow churches to reopen. As the apostolic sector, to make sure that we comply with the regulations, we will do away with our previous way of congregating.
In terms of praying, we will not be laying hands on the heads of those who are being prayed for and as a leader who was getting congregants from as far as Botswana, South Africa and Mutare, that will not be the case as we will not receive any intercity congregants or people from outside the country</blockquote>
Another Bulawayo Church leader, Pastor Bruce Edwards of Kingdom Empowerment Centre also spoke to the publication and said:
<blockquote>We appreciate our President, Government and leadership and are more than blessed to have a Government that fears the Lord. The church is ready to go back and we’ll continue to abide by the requirements of the policies by the government to ensure safety of the saints and that of the citizens</blockquote>
Prophet Simbarashe Emmanuel of Magwegwe’s Shalom Believers Fellowship also said:
<blockquote>We are in the process of buying sanitisers and any other needed material in the fight against Covid-19. Thus we expect to start our services next Sunday</blockquote>
Prophet Tatenda Makasi of Destiny Life Ministries in Gwanda also shared the other leader’s sentiments and said:
<blockquote>New things will be incorporated within the church and we are working on engaging health personnel to come and teach people more about Covid-19 at our churches. We will hold our sermons almost daily so as to ensure all our congregants attend</blockquote>
Congregants also expressed their joy in knowing they will fellowship with fellow believers soon. The president urged churches to adhere to COVID-19 safety measures while in church.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/joy-as-church-congregations-resume/">The Chronicle </a>

Churchgoers Celebrate As Churches Re-Open

The government has identified churches, vocational centres and national youth training centres to be used as quarantine centres for returning citizens and residents.
Schools, colleges and universities are being used as COVID-19 quarantine facilities, but with the imminent partial resumption of lessons, returnees will no longer be accommodated at the learning institutions.
This was revealed by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa on Tuesday while speaking for the ad hoc Inter-ministerial Taskforce on COVID-19.
Mutsvangwa added that stakeholders were now working out the logistics for safe and secure conditions for children in examination classes to return to school and final year students to colleges and universities.
This entails rehabilitation and disinfection of the facilities after those in quarantine move out at the end of the quarantine period.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/schools-colleges-no-longer-isolation-centres/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Churches To Be Converted Into Coronavirus Quarantine Centres

Churches cannot be trusted to mediate between President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Emmerson Mnangagwa</a> and his rival MDC leader Nelson Chamisa as some pastors are actively promoting the polarization in the country.
Maxwell Saungweme, a political analyst, argued that in Zimbabwe there is an unhealthy religion-politics complex which disqualifies the clergy from being political arbiters. He said:
<blockquote>The Church actually reinforces conflict fault lines and polarization in the country. The country’s clergy is also politicians or political activists hence making them less credible actors to help in dialogue processes that can lead to finding common ground in Zimbabwe.
In very extreme cases we have seen members of the clergy contesting for elections, even for the presidency. There is an unhealthy religion-politics complex in Zimbabwe that makes our clergy not credible and impartial arbiters or conveners of political dialogue.</blockquote>
Recently, some church leaders under the Inter-Denominational Council of Churches banner met Mnangagwa at State House where they urged Chamisa to unconditionally accept the former’s legitimacy.
One of the “partisan” clergyman, Andrew Wutaunashe, who leads the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Family_of_God_Churches" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Family of God Church</a> said Chamisa should join the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Political_Actors_Dialogue" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD)</a> initiated by Mnangagwa where he is negotiating with 2018 presidential elections losing candidates.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/12/08/church-can-t-mediate-between-ed-chamisa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Daily News</a></h4>

Church Leaders Not Qualified To Mediate Between ED, Chamisa

In order to pave way for economic and political reforms, churches have urged the government to suspend elections for 7 years Newsday Reports. Zimbabwe Heads Of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Christian_denomination">Christian Denominations</a> executive secretary<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Kenneth_Mtata"> Kenneth Mtata</a> said this at a media briefing yesterday.
Mr Mtata said national unity was of paramount importance in addressing current economic and political woes:
<blockquote>It is in this light that the church leaders are proposing a national seven-year Sabbath period for the purposes of establishing an emergency recovery mechanism to address the dire national situation, especially for the most vulnerable communities, rebuilding trust and confidence by healing all the hurts of the past, developing a shared national reform agenda to deepen our democracy and establishing a shared and inclusive national economic vision.</blockquote>
Churches have been influential in calling for a <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/09/17/churches-condemns-abductions-national-dialogue/">national dialogue between President Mnangagwa</a> and Chamisa to resolve the economic meltdown.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2019/10/suspend-polls-for-7-years-churches/">NewsDay</a>

Churches Urge Govt To Suspend Elections For 7 Years

Indigenous churches have hailed the government for removing Section 40 from the Marriages Bill after it met with stiff resistance from organised religion.
The churches have condemned Non-governmental Organisations for attempting to force it into the country’s statutes.
Speaking during the ordainment of seven bishops of seven different indigenous apostolic churches, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/index.php?title=Apostolic_Christian_Council_of_Zimbabwe&amp;redirect=no">Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe</a> (ACCZ) executive moderator, Archbishop <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Johannes_Ndanga">Johannes Ndanga</a>, said:
<blockquote>We are aware that this did not come from government, but from international NGOs.</blockquote>
<blockquote>They were funding that because they thought they were protecting women’s interests, but they did not know that they were trying to protect one woman at the expense of the other.</blockquote>
<blockquote>That proposed arrangement of formalising infidelity was being done with the motive of destroying our culture.
They want our country to be like the United States, UK and other Western countries where women are now buying love by offering men huge sums of money to lure them into marriages.</blockquote>
<blockquote>These women are now targeting African men. Western countries usually push agendas and propose policies that are not suitable for us.</blockquote>
The controversial section was condemned by churches as an affront to the sacred institution of marriage as it recognised “shacking” as civil partnerships.
The cabinet then resolved to strike it off the Bill before its First Reading in Parliament.
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/churches-hail-govt-for-striking-off-small-house-clause/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a>

Churches Laud Govt For Removing "Small House" Clause From Marriages Bill

Harare City Council said it will soon publish a list of churches that owe it millions in unpaid rates and lease fees amounting to more than $10 million.
Speaking to Daily News on Sunday, council corporate communications manager Michael Chideme said churches did not even attempt to clear their debts or make payment plans when the last list was published in 2017. Said Chideme:
<blockquote>Council will soon publish the names of church organisations whose unpaid rates and lease fees have accumulated over the past few years. The publication of the debtors list will help show which church organisations are using free land and not contributing towards service delivery.</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/03/11/harare-to-name-shame-defaulting-churches">Daily News</a>

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