Effective engagement with various religious organizations is one of the ways Zimbabwe could use to promote public health Professor Muhiuddin Haider from the USA has suggested

Professor Haider, who was  on a weeklong tour of the country where he engaged with Health journalists and  provincial medical public relations officers in effective health massaging, told RelZim  that  religion remains an important stakeholder  in the country if it wants to have gains in its  public health programmes.

“Religion is a very important institution in the country and there are many important things we can learn from it. You can use religious and faith based organizations to disseminate health massages, to encourage communities and to empower them adopt new ideas.

“If you use them use them effectively and try to learn how other countries in the region have been effectively using this important institution”, said the Professor who lectures at   the University of Maryland Park school of Public Health (South of Washington DC, United States of America) Friday.

In Zimbabwe government has been failing to get a buy in from members of the Johanne Marange sect who refuse to have their children immunized.

This is the area which professor Heider said needed careful engagement by the government with the concerned sect.

Gweru Regional magistrate Morgan Nemadire last week sentenced a  ZAOGA church elder  to twelve years in prison for raping his daughter.

The 53-year-old church elder, of Chinamasa Village under Chief Gambiza, from Chiundura was sentenced  for raping his 13-year-old daughter three times. Three years of the sentence were suspended on condition of good behavior.

According to the state case, the church elder first raped his daughter in September 2011. He also raped his daughter once this year in January.The church elder is the biological father to the complainant who is now 16. He was staying with the girl after the death of his wife, the girl’s mother.

For the state, Ndamukaneyi Chikuni, told the court that sometime in September 2011 on an unknown date the church elder approached the complainant who was in her bedroom and told her that he wanted to have sexual intercourse with her.

Chikuni said the complainant refused but the father forcibly pushed the complainant to the bed and raped her once.

The court heard that the girl did not reveal the matter to anyone after her father threatened to kill her.

Chikuni said on an unknown date again in September the same year at around 10pm, the church elder who was naked, went to his daughter’s room where he found her asleep. He pinned her down and raped her once.

According to the prosecutor, the complainant did not tell anyone  fearing for her life.

The court also heard that in January this year at around 3.30pm, the complainant went to her father’s bedroom to collect her clothes.

Chikuni said when the girl was about to get out of the room, the father got hold of his daughter’s arm and dragged her to his bed and raped her once without wearing protection.

The abuse came to light on August 4 this year when the girl narrated her ordeal to Rachael Njini, the school clerk, who then notified the school headmistress, Ustina Sithole.

Sithole interviewed the girl who related everything that happened. A report was made to the police leading to the arrest of the father.

Ecumenical Peace Observation Initiative in Zimbabwe, a program by Heads of Christian Denominations, has launched peace celebrations in Karoi.

Speaking during the launch of the peace celebrations on Saturday Ecumenical Peace Observation Initiative in Zimbabwe, director Tendai Maregere said there is need to maintain a peaceful environment in Zimbabwe regardless of challenges faced.

“Last year, churches under the umbrella bodies of Zimbabwe Council of Churches, Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe, Catholic Bishops Conference and the Union of Development of Apostolic and Zionist Churches in Zimbabwe started peaceful approach to end violence that gripped the country during 2008 elections when we faced social, political and economic crisis.

“We understand that peace promotes development and we call upon everyone to build a culture of peace. We are happy that 2013 elections were peaceful and we must remain committed to a better country enjoying harmony’’ said Maregere.

Hurungwe district administrator Tsana Chirau bemoaned the low turnout during the celebrations in Karoi town about 204 kilometers north-west of Harare saying it is unfortunate that the event was trivialized.

Gwendoline Chikaka, who spoke on behalf of Chirau, called on other stakeholders to take part in peace celebrations in future.

‘’This program is meant for Hurungwe and Zimbabwe at large. We want to build peace in our homes and in communities. Hurungwe must preach peace.

“It is a challenge for few of us who attended these celebrations to preach peace and spread the gospel wherever we go. I am saddened by poor turnout but we hope next year we will prepare to get more people coming from all over the district,’’ said Chirau.

Tendayi Bobo, EPOIZ research and advocacy officer, said the celebrations will take place in country’s seven provinces.

“These provinces have been selected due to conflicts experienced in the past and the continuous engagement to a climate of tolerance and peaceful co-existence.”

The peace celebrations are held under the theme, “Building the Zimbabwe we want in faith, hope, and unity”.

The celebrations will be held in Bvekerwa (Rusape in Manicaland) on 19 September, Hwange (Matabeleland North) on 25 September, Gokwe Central in Midlands on 27 September, Bikita in Masvingo on 30 September and Bulawayo on 4 October before coming to Harare on 9 October.

Tsaurai Mukombwe who attended the celebrations hailed EPOIZ for the programme. “I am glad that we have churches that still preach the gospel of peace when many others are concentrating on the gospel of prosperity. We really need peace in Zimbabwe,” she said

Denford Mutashu suing Magaya at High Court for US$500 000 for bedding his wife (photo: M Chibaya).

A HARARE man who had dragged prominent preacher, Walter Magaya, to court for allegedly bedding his wife has withdrawn the case before trial after the two parties settled the matter out of court.

Denford Mutashu, who was being represented by Normal Mugiya, had sued Magaya for $500 000 for adultery.

NewZimbabwe.com understands that Mutashu withdrew the charges after he was paid $150 000.

Magaya was accused by Mutashu of sleeping with his wife, Nomsa Ruvazhe, who attends the pastor’s PHD Ministries church.

But in an affidavit filed with the High Court on September 12, Mutashu withdrew the case.

“In the matter between Denford Mutashu (plaintiff) and Walter Magaya (defendant), take notice that the plaintiff hereby withdraws its claim ($500 000) and tenders wasted costs,” read the application to withdraw the case.

Mugiya confirmed that an out of court settlement had been reached between the two parties but declined to reveal details of the settlement.

“I can confirm that my client withdrew the matter but I am not at liberty to give finer details of the withdrawal as I am not permitted to do so,” he said.

NewZimbabwe.com understands that Magaya sought a settlement after he feared that the case would further embarrass him in court. He then offered $100,000 but the two parties later settled for $150,000.

Prophet Magaya (photo: B Kanhamora).

In his application, Mugiya said Mutashu had evidence that would show that Magaya was indeed having an affair with his wife.

“Our client is in possession of video recordings where you have admitted to have had an improper relationship with his wife,” read the court papers.

“We have been advised that our client’s wife (Ruvazhe) came to your church service at your church premises allegedly in an attempt to worship.

“You ordered our client’s wife to stay at one of your lodges for three consecutive days without the knowledge and consent of our client,” read the papers.

Despite filing the civil suit, Mutashu also went the criminal route accusing Magaya of bigamy.

But according to police sources, the matter has also been withdrawn after the two parties reached an agreement.

Although Magaya had vociferously denied having an affair with Mutashu’s wife, it remains unclear why he opted for an out-of-court settlement.

A TOP official of the Morgan Tsvangirai-led MDC-T has been confirmed as one of the more than 80 people who died when a hostel of the Synagogue Church of all nations in Nigeria collapsed in as yet unexplained circumstances last Friday.

The family of Mashonaland West provincial chairman, Greenwich Ndanga, on Thursday confirmed that he died after the six-storey building crumbled to the ground. More than 130 people were rescued from the rubble.

MDC-T provincial secretary for parliamentary affairs, Stewart Garadhi told VOA Studio 7 that they were waiting to hear about the repatriation of Ndanga’s body so funeral arrangements can be made.

Foreign Affairs permanent secretary, Joey Bimha said it’s not yet clear if more Zimbabweans could have died or survived the crash as they are still waiting for a report from the country’s embassy in Lagos.

Health Minister David Parirenyatwa recently warned Zimbabweans to reduce travelling to Nigeria, which has reported two cases of Ebola. He said at least 20 Zimbabweans visit Nigeria every week.

South African president, Jacob Zuma on Wednesday said 67 of the dead were South Africans. Zuma has sent an emergency rescue team to Lagos.

Leader of the church, TB Joshua told his congregation that a mysterious plane was seen hovering above the building moments before the building collapsed.

However, Nigerian officials say the building collapsed because of structural defects owing to the construction of an additional four storeys.

Manna Feast

Speakers: Bishop Noel Jones and Prophet Passion Java

Venue: City Sports Centre

Time: 5 pm

Dates: 23-24 October

Vapostori attacking Cops in Budiriro (photo: Newsday)

Kumasowe, a play which caricatures the skirmishes between the members of the Johanne Masowe apostolic sect in Budiriro two months ago, is going to be showcased despite the barring of the play by the police last week.

The police last week summoned Silvanos Mudzvova the producer of the play and told him not to show case or launch the play.

“Kumasowe will be showing this Wednesday at Book Café and people should book seats now. It is still the original work, I have not altered it and will not do that in the near future despite the existence of spurious laws that were created to suppress a black man by the colonial regime and today under the leadership of a black man we are still being oppressed,” said Mudzova the man behind the caricature.

The sate uses the Censorship and entertainment control act of 1967 to bar artistic work which its deems ‘rebellious’.

The laws were enacted by the colonial regime and were used as a tool of destabilizing political mobilisation and the struggle for justice.

“Unbeknown to them, in the Vapostori camp are ex-convicts that are seeking redemption from spirits of violence, disgruntled vendors and kombi drivers who are trying to get assistance at the church after numerous losses caused by the police, among others,” added Mudzvova.

“People go to Masowe for different reasons and the bulk of the people on this particular scene are out of jail courtesy of the presidential amnesty.”

SMALL and Medium Enterprises Development minister Sithembiso Nyoni has encouraged churches to venture into small-scale businesses.

Speaking at the ordination ceremony of 66 bishops from different denominations under the Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) at the Large City on Saturday, Nyoni said the church leaders should stand firm and uplift the lives of the ordinary people that made them bishops.

She urged them to form small groups and work together to start prosperous new small businesses.

“As Christians, we should work together, form small groups, do savings and make proposals on the projects you want to work on,” said Nyoni.

Nyoni said her ministry runs the Small Enterprises Development Co-operation (Sedco) that assists small businesses to get bank loans as start-ups. She said banks had the capital to assist those with small businesses with loans ranging from $2 000 to
$200 000.

“As a Parliament, we do not have capital to give businesses, but there is Sedco and the banks,” said Nyoni.

“The ministry will make a follow-up on the prepositions you have made and if the banks do not grant loans, report back to me and we will engage them.”

She blamed corruption on the hesitancy by Christians to run for high office or engage in business.

“There is corruption because the Christians do not have high positions in businesses, Parliament and government. Christians are needed. Go and make projects; ZimAsset should be forwarded to the churches.”

ACCZ president Archbishop Johannes Ndanga encouraged politicians to seek spiritual guidance in the day-to-day running of the country.

Ndanga said biblically, the political leadership was given guidance by the priesthood and there was need for politicians of today to engage in such practices.

United Family International Church’s (Ufic) founder, Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa on Saturday recognised the creative effort invested by some gospel musicians and conferred them with awards dubbed the Permican Awards.

The awards ceremony was part of the Ufic official television channel Christ TV’s  first anniversary celebrations held at the  City Sports Centre.

Makandiwa said musicians are not appreciated in the country and he took it upon himself and Christ TV to appreciate musicians because the role of music is very critical in every sphere of life.

“Even the Second Chimurenga was not won by armoury alone, there were people who were singing to motivate,” he said.

“In every battle there is a song that gives hope.”

He also cited that even in the kingdom of God we hear of angels singing.

In recognising the gospel musicians, Makandiwa, through Christ TV, set up a panel that vetted artistes in three categories, namely Rising Star, Lead the Way and Excellence awards that honoured legendary artistes.

On the Rising Stars category, Craig Bone, Tinashe Magacha and Alex3.2 walked away with awards.

On the Lead The Way category, pioneering rapper Shingi ‘Mau Mau’ Sabeta, Munetsi Matambanadzo and Saiwe Chimbetu  got gongs.

Mau Mau and Munetsi are known secular rappers who turned to gospel and they are both wordsmiths with captivating lyrics.

Mau Mau performed his gospel song Ndamutswa.

This category recognised artistes who have come of age but have not yet reached the legendary status.

On the Excellence/Legendary category was Carol Mujokoro, Mudiwa Mtandwa, Mechanic Manyeruke, Mathias Mhere, Pastor Charles Charamba, Bethen Pasinawako,  Pastor G and  Kudzai Nyakudya, among others.

Pastor Charamba could, however, not perform at the event but on that category it was Mudiwa Mtandwa who stole the show with a massive performance.

His dee-jays were Ash Styles and Nivek of Game Recognise Game.

Dendera exponent, Sulumani Chimbetu made a surprise appearance on stage during Joyce Simeti and Edith Weutonga’s set.

His famous Heya Heya chant sent the capacity crowd into a frenzy.

According to Makandiwa, Christ TV is a unique tool for marketing the greatness of Jesus.

He said through this medium, millions of people have been reached with the message of salvation.

“It is a great evangelistic tool and many lives are being transformed,” he said.

Meanwhile, several local churches now operate television channels, for instance Zaoga runs Ezekiel TV, Passion Java Ministries runs K-TV, Spirit Embassy runs Miracle TV and PHD Ministries runs Yadah TV.

See related reading:

Makandiwa dares critics 

The leader of any team, department, or organization has great impact on the results and effectiveness of the people he leads. The leader sets the example that everyone follows. As the leader goes, so the followers go. The leader needs to be properly trained in order to model good leadership. If the leader is not effective, then the followers and their results will most likely be hindered.

With most church leaders increasingly being caught on the wrong side of Christian values in Zimbabwe some people believe that training of prophet pastors and those leading churches could be important.

Among well-known church leaders found on the wrong side or accused of wrongdoings are incarnated Independent End Time Message Church founder Robert Martin Gumbura (57) who was found guilty of rape, Walter Magaya of the Prophetic healing and deliverance ministries was accused of adultery although later the case was withdrawn from the courts and many other apostolic leaders accused of sexual abuse among other crimes.

Emine Dhliwayo, an ardent Anglican, said that the reason most church leaders did not practice what the bible says is because they also do not know the bible themselves.

“ I feel it is important to train church leaders than just having people waking up and saying they are now leading a church. The training ensures that leaders are taught the bible and this learning gives them the opportunity to study and know the contents of the holly book,” she said

“I believe that a lot of these church leaders mislead their followers as they are not genuine prophets. The gospel of prosperity has led some of these pastors and church leaders to form churches  for the sole reason of making money not saving souls. If we only could go the protestant churches way of training church leaders it could arrest some of these problems we are facing,” Tafadzwa Maraire said.

A Reverend with a Methodist church in Gweru said training was important in the Ministry. “ People may have a calling but it’s still important to train them as training of church leaders involves not only the bible teachings but a whole lot of things.

“Even in churches leaders are tempted so they are taught during training on how they can handle situations,”

However, Madzibaba Tawanda who worships with Johanne Masowe vechishanu, said training was not necessary. “These leaders have the whole spirit and it is this spirit that leads them hence there is no need for training,” he said

Two South Africans who lost relatives when a church hostel in Lagos collapsed have told the BBC they intend to sue Nigerian evangelist TB Joshua.

The two men, who both lost sisters in the collapse, are appealing for more families to come together in bringing a case against the preacher.

At least 115 people, including 84 South Africans, died when the multi-storey building fell down earlier this month.

The authorities say it had more floors than its foundation could hold.

On Sunday, Mr Joshua, who is one of Nigeria’s best-known evangelists and is popular across Africa, announced plans to travel to South Africa to visit the families of the deceased.

Emergency workers allege they were prevented from participating in the rescue, only gaining full access to the site on Sunday afternoon – accusations denied by Pastor Joshua’s Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN).

“I understand that some families are afraid to take on someone who purports to be God’s messenger and I don’t blame them but I will do this”

Thanduxolo Doro and Mpho Molebatsi waited at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo airport for days after the collapse for news of their sisters, who had been visiting SCOAN.

Both families had last heard from their relatives hours before the collapse, which happened at about 13:50 local time (12.50 GMT) on Friday 12 September.

“It is not that the building collapsed, rather what was done after the collapse – we didn’t get any news from the church,” Mr Doro, whose sister Vathiswa Madikiza died, told the BBC.

“When I contacted them they wouldn’t tell me anything. We saw reports that emergency workers were denied access initially, access that could have saved lives. The actions of the church after the incident are very telling,” he said.
In an open letter published in South Africa’s Star newspaper, Mr Doro called on more families to sue Mr Joshua.

“I need to do this for her. Even if I stand alone, I am determined to see that something is done,” he told the BBC.

“I understand that some families are afraid to take on someone who purports to be God’s messenger and I don’t blame them but I will do this.”

Mr Doro says he was informed by South African officials about his sister’s death this week, but has to wait for the results of DNA tests before her body can be repatriated for burial.

He told the BBC that he had spoken to two families who were eager to join him in suing Mr Joshua, but no concrete plans had been made.

He has not been in contact with Mr Molebatsi, whose sister Hlubi Molebatsi was also killed.

Mr Molebatsi says he has contacted his lawyers.

“I have spoken to other families but it has been difficult because this is a time of mourning. I would like to see families get something from the church as some of the people who died were breadwinners,” he told the BBC.

Some 25 survivors of the collapse are continuing to receive medical care following their return to South Africa.

Officials say 16 of the wounded are in critical condition, with some having had limbs amputated and other complication.

HIGH Court judge Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo last week castigated the Zion Christian church leaders, Archbishops Makuva Mutendi and Tafirenyika Masuka, for “lying” under oath in court while giving evidence in a church leadership wrangle that had threatened to tear apart the Zion Apostolic Church.

Mutendi is the Archbishop of Zion Christian Church, while Masuka is Archbishop under the Zion Apostolic Church which was at the centre of the leadership tussle.

The two bishops had been invited to give evidence in a leadership dispute matter pitting the two sons of the late Bishop Dorius Shoko, who was the leader of Zion Apostolic Church, on the question of who between the two late Bishop’s sons, Jameson and Ezra Pedzisai, should be recognised as the legitimate successor.

“The court was baffled with the easiness with which the men of the cloth would evade the truth. It was only when confronted with the inescapable truths that the two Bishops would turn around to tell the truth,” Justice Matanda-Moyo said.

After the passing-on of their father, Jameson took the church to court arguing he was the legitimate heir to succeed his late father in accordance with the church’s 1949 covenant.

But his sibling, Ezra, with the support of the church’s council argued that he too was the legitimate successor following his anointment with oil by his father.

In her 10-paged judgement, while granting leadership to Ezra, Justice Matanda-Moyo said: “I was mostly disappointed by the conduct of Bishop Mutendi and Bishop Masuka. Society looks up to these two senior Archbishops. For the Bishops not to take court business seriously is a tragedy.”

She added: “The two showed disrespect to the court proceedings and were very economical with the truth. It was clear they took sides with the defendant [Jameson]. They knew the defendant had not been chosen by the late Bishop Dorius.

“Bishop Mutendi’s evidence was marred with contradictions. To buttress my finding that the two Bishops were biased was their answers to the question whether they would ordain Ezra should the court find him to be the true Bishop of the plaintiff [Zion Apostolic Church]. Both Archbishops, Masuka and Mutendi, responded in the negative.”

Justice Matanda-Moyo further said although Jameson tried to bring Zion Apostolic Church to be governed by the 1949 covenant at all costs, his witnesses were not credible.

“The defendant’s [Jameson] case was marred with falsehoods. The defendant himself initially denied that his relationship with his late father was not good. He later admitted he was disinherited,” the judge said.

“He became argumentative that the church did not belong to his father, but to his late grandfather Andreas. The defendant did not strike me as a truthful witness.”

“While it is true that the defendant is the eldest son of the late Bishop Dorius, it is also true that the defendant had been disinherited by his late father. The DVD’s produced [as evidence during trial] also showed the late Bishop denouncing the defendant.”

Justice Matanda-Moyo said it would not augur well to let the Jameson take over from his late father whose beliefs he did not accept.

“In the result it is ordered as follows; that Ezra Pedzisayi is the legitimate Bishop of the plaintiff (ZAC), that the defendant [Jameson] and all those claiming title through him be and are hereby interdicted from using the plaintiff’s name, . . . barred from interfering with the plaintiff’s church activities, . . . interdicted from using the plaintiff’s properties and facilities without the consent from the plaintiff and that the defendant pay cost of suit,” she ruled.

Ezra was represented by Gunje and Chasakara Legal Practitioners.

THE trial of 37 members of the Johane Masowe eChishanu accused of battering police officers and journalists in May this year opened at the Harare Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday with one of the sect members claiming political persecution for refusing to support Vice-President Joice Mujuru’s bid to succeed President Robert Mugabe.

Takavengwa Gwenzi (46) told trial magistrate Tendai Mahwe that prior to the violent clashes, Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe (ACCZ) president Johannes Ndanga had threatened to “fix” them for refusing to endorse Mujuru’s candidature.

“He told us that he was going to fix us because we had refused to pray for Mujuru to be in office. He said the President [Robert Mugabe] was going to resign and be replaced by Mujuru with him [Ndanga] as the vice,” Gwenzi said.

Gwenzi told the court that Ndanga sent a delegation to their Budiriro shrine to inform the sect members that he was the head of 789 apostolic denominations and third most powerful person after President Mugabe and Mujuru in the ruling Zanu PF party hierarchy.

He said when they refused to be dragged into the party’s succession politics, Ndanga allegedly told them that he was powerful enough either to have them tried in court or released.

“He said some apostolic sects have raised several allegations against us so a delegation from our church should visit his office to discuss the matters. Some members, including Ishmael Mufani, later visited Ndanga’s offices, but turned down his demands,” Gwenzi said.

The group pleaded not guilty and denied allegations that they assaulted Ndanga and members of his delegation.

State allegations are that the apostolic sect members violently attacked Ndanga’s delegation following a raid at their Budiriro shrine on May 30 this year.

The State alleges that the accused persons were part of male congregants who ran amok on the day in question, turning the shrine into a war zone as they fought running battles with the police.

The congregants allegedly challenged Ndanga to read his speech in Shona, claiming that they were not conversant in English.
The court further heard that Ndanga ordered police officers present to arrest one of the congregants who kept interjecting his speech.

The apostolic sect members immediately broke into a militant song, Umambo Hwepfumo Neropa.

Six police officers and a Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation cameraperson, Relaxe Mafurutu, were injured during the
skirmishes.

Lagos – Lying in the rubble of the guesthouse, only able to tell if it was night or day through a tiny crack, Lindiwe Ndwandwe heard the screams of others beneath the debris slowly turn silent.

For five days the 33-year-old was trapped inside a toilet next to the dining hall of the collapsed Synagogue Church of All Nations, breathing only through a small hole in the wreckage.

In the end, she was forced to drink her own urine to survive.

“It’s like a dream to me that really, it’s me that came out from here,” the South African told media on Saturday as she surveyed the remains of the church in the Nigerian city of Lagos.

“I don’t believe it. The tears that I cry, it’s because I don’t believe.”

A total of 86 people were killed and dozens more left trapped when the guesthouse attached to the church run by Nigerian preacher TB Joshuacollapsed on 12 September.

Class action against the church

At least 350 South Africans were thought to be visiting the church in the Ikotun neighbourhood of the megacity of Lagos when the three-storey building came down during construction work.

Joshua, one of Nigeria’s best-known evangelical preachers, on Sunday pledged to go to South Africa to meet survivors and their families.

Known by followers across the world as “The Prophet” or “The Man of God”, Joshua claims to work miracles, including raising people from the dead, healing the sick and foreseeing disasters.

He observed a minute of silence at his weekly morning service, and said he would “be travelling to South Africa to meet people from South Africa and other nations… in memory of martyrs of faith”.

But South Africa’s largest opposition party on Sunday said it will push the government to launch a class action against the church, where 84 of its nationals lost their lives.

Democratic Alliance shadow foreign minister Stevens Mokgalapa said the fact that rescue workers complained that staff at the church had impeded their work in the immediate aftermath of the disaster meant there could be cause for legal action.

Enough evidence

“The DA believes that there is now enough evidence for the South African government to, at the very least, explore the possibility of a class action suit against the [church] on behalf of the affected families,” Mokgalapa said in a statement.

“It stands to reason that the church and its members may be criminally liable for the death of a number of South Africans who could have been rescued from the rubble if rescue work was speedily permitted.”

Jeff Radebe, a South African minister in charge of Pretoria’s response to the disaster, told reporters on Sunday that a specially-equipped plane was ready to evacuate 26 wounded nationals, including three children.

He said 16 of the group were critically injured.

“The aircraft is fully equipped and staffed by a medical team, including specialised surgeons, to treat the injured for the 10-hour flight,” he added.

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan visited the church on Saturday and promised to investigate the cause of the tragedy.

He said he would hold talks with stakeholders in the construction industry on how to prevent such a thing happening again, expressing his condolences to South African President Jacob Zuma.

South African-based Zimbabwean gospel musician Thembi Sibanda has released a third album — a 13-track well-choreographed scorcher titled Sinjalo.

The album was recorded at Kabamba Productions.

The 30-year-old musician, who hails from Esigodini, fronts a seven-member group, Sisters of Paradise.

Sibanda recorded her first album Mhla UJesu Ebuya in 2011.

The 11-track album did not do well on the market.

In 2013, she released her second album Ngubani Oyazongena, which she says brought her fame.

“My first album failed to penetrate the market since it was a new project. It even faced competition from South Africa where I was based. When I recorded my second album, I became very popular and it did well in the market,” said an elated Sibanda.

Her music was influenced by her upbringing in the Victory Church congregation where she used to sing in the choir.

She comes from a family background of non-musicians and desires to do her best.

Sibanda said: “I am a member of Victory Fellowship church where I used to sing. At school I was in the choir as well, so that shaped me to be the musician I am today.

“I give credit to my teacher at school who gave us the name Sisters of Paradise with my friends because we were so close and we looked alike.”

The musician, who is currently in Bulawayo to promote her music and the new album, highlighted that competition in South Africa has been a serious drawback.

When she brought her music home, it managed to do well and she is happy about it.

Sibanda has travelled to Botswana to launch her music where she was supported by veteran Kalanga gospel maestro Isaac Maleyi, musician Magwaza and many Batswana gospel and traditional singers.

She attributed her popularity to working together with other musicians and getting advice from them.

The musician indicated that their music is currently doing very well in South Africa.

“I like working with other musicians and that’s where I get advice. I have realised that the industry is so big that I need them and they also need me. South Africans love our music but our dream is to bring more of it home.”

The promising gospel singer said there are a number of shows lined up for December in Esigodini, her rural home, to show her people that she is doing what God created her for.

Sibanda is to hold a collaborative show with Hloseni Arts at the Arts Gallery on December 26.

The musician castigated music pirates.

“Piracy is a serious problem to our music. Right now, the pirates even promise to beat us for our music.”

Dumisani Mhlanga of Hloseni Arts confirmed that that shows with Sibanda are lined up for December, with many other artistes. The music is good but lacks popularity.

“We have planned a number of shows with Sibanda so that her music is marketed in the country,” Mhlanga said.

Mhlanga feels the government must do something and put stringent measures to eliminate piracy.

Some church leaders on Tuesday protested against getting into a bus that had political posters of the first lady heading for the First family Mazowe Orphanage.

Heads of denominations and church leaders from all the country’s provinces were  reportedly  summoned to visit First Lady Grace Mugabe’s Mazowe Orphanage Home, in a move believed to be part of her political campaign ahead of the ruling Zanu PF elective congress in December.

Pastors who spoke to Real Zim said while some of their counterparts proceeded with the journey to Mazowe while some pastors got off the bus minutes after they realised that the driver was sticking political posters on the bus after the church leaders had boarded.

“We felt unhappy and it was not pleasant to us. We are not supposed to be aligned to any political party in this country though we do respect political leadership but we do not get involved in political party activities,” one of the pastors said.

“We have to serve our integrity as Christians and signal out what we strongly believe in . For those who have gone, it is unfortunate as they do not recognize the  danger they put churches into and the Christian fraternity. You cannot mix Christianity and politics,” the pastor who preferred to remain anonymous for fear of victimization said.

Another Pastor said, “Our role is to pray and bring peace and stability and we should not be involved in partisan politics that is why we protested against getting into the bus with posters.”

The pastors said they did not want to be associated with any political party as their followers were of diverse political affiliations.

Other groups that Grace Mugabe has invited to the Mazowe orphanage include the Zanu PF Women’s League, Youth League and traditional leaders, who have all unanimously pledged to endorse her at the congress running from December 9 – 14.

Sexy Angels front lady Beverly “Bev” Sibanda has apologised to Prophetic Healing and Deliverance leader Walter Magaya for all the stunts she has pulled against the celebrity preacher.

Bev’s manager Harpers Mapimhidze said they regretted every bad thing that ever transpired between them and Magaya.

“He is a man of God, everyone knows that,” Mapimhidze told the Daily News.

“What took place is just unfortunate but we apologise for everything that has ever happened. You know at times we, as people, make decisions that we end up regretting but we are apologising.

“We are human and at times we do things we regret at the end. As Bev’s manager, I apologise for everything that she has ever said or done to Magaya. He is a man of God and we cannot mess with him.”

Mapimhidze said he is certain that there will be less talk coming from Bev regarding Magaya.

“I spoke to Bev especially with issues to do with what she was saying in the media, we agreed that she would stop and that she would leave him alone,” he said.

“At times, I would not know what would be taking place, only to read it in the papers. I have had serious talk with her regarding what she says in public and her conduct with other people.

At the end of the day, anaMagaya vanhu vane zvinhu zvavo, so you can’t mess with them, you might need their help in the future.”

Since joining and leaving Magaya’s PHD Ministries, Bev has launched a series of attacks on Magaya, who has largely remained quiet amid a barrage of attack.

Earlier, Magaya helped Bev start a retail business, renting a shop for her and giving her money to start up the business.

In less than three months, she said the shop was not generating enough money and that she would rather go back to dancing.

She accused the prophet of trying to woo her with a car and money.

Anglican ex-communicated bishop Nolbert Kunonga is alleged to have looted more than $1million dollars when he was controlling the church.

Kunonga seized control of some church properties in 2007 including hospitals, schools and orphanage centers when he broke away from the Anglican Church of the Province of Central Africa (CPCA) to form his Anglican Church of the Province of Zimbabwe until 2013 when the courts ordered evicted Anglicans to return to the church buildings. However most of the parishioners said the parishes had been run down while some of the church halls where leased to education institutions.

Reverend Paul Gwese, speaking on behalf of Harare bishop Chad Gandiya, told a press briefing in Harare, that the church could not account for money that was put in a trust fund seized by Kunonga.

“We are talking about a real big chunk of money that we cannot account for,” Gwese said.

“There was a trust fund which had $1 million and not even a cent can be accounted for from that trust. So as you can see, we are talking of big monies.

“Work is in progress and our legal advisors are dealing with the matter. In the next coming few months, we will be able to tell you how much money was taken and whether we will be able to get it back. But it is a large sum and it will take time for us to fully recover it.”

It is very clear and simple that all churches that exist in Zimbabwe are built on Zimbabwean land. All church goers whether Christians, Moslems or Islams walk or drive to their respective churches on government roads. As a result I don’t see any reason for churches to be exempted from paying for the services they utilise.

Most churches operate as business institutes, for example churches like Roman Catholic, Anglican and Methodist which own land, hospitals, schools and farms which do not offer free services to the community.

Proceeds from the church operations should be taxed.

However, the government should exempt taxing offerings and tithes from church members. I believe that tithes and offerings should be used to pay pastors and funding of other church programmes.

Almost all churches receive free services. Religions influence societal opinion hence they should also be involved in the taxation activities.

It is of great importance to note that nowadays churches vary one from the other. Long back, only the conventional churches  were involved in charitable social services. These churches would always make themselves available to the community and provided services to the local  people despite their race or background. Almost all of these churches helped the poor and the people in need. They provided many social services for the destitute and needy, and reached out to them in different ways.

Today’s churches are involved in a number of activities which help them make tonnes of profit daily. Most churches are now business entities that hide behind the name of the church. I strongly believe there is nothing wrong with a church owning an arm or branch of business. This will assist the country in mending its ailing economy. What is immoral before the state and God is failure of that church to pay taxes. In the Bible, Jesus made it even clear that as citizens of whatever country we live in, we should pay our taxes.

Churches are often utilised for profit. Some churches sell bricks, anointing oil and towels saying its church members should buy these products as a way of sowing their seeds. Generally the way this economy works is that if you own a business, you get taxed. If churches are involved in any businesses they should pay their share.

As of today, many church leaders spend most of their time holding conferences in expensive hotels at the expense of offering charitable services. There are a number of street kids, the blind and disabled who are in need of food, shelter and clothes nationwide. Churches should be engaged in offering such services to the community.

Churches are now among the wealthiest organisations in the country and abroad. For that reason, churches and their founders therefore sometimes promote themselves to face tax scrutiny. Taxation naturally applies to profit-makers thus, the generators of revenue.

If churches are making profits, just like private hospitals and private schools, they should also pay income tax which is 30 % of the proceeds they make on their operations annually.

Pastors’ hefty salaries, salaries of church officials and those receiving rentals from church organisations should be taxed. This is in conformity with the tax laws of the country that say that if the church employs someone, maybe a secretary earning a salary above $250, the church must pay Pay As You Earn on behalf of the employee.

Just like other nations the  world over, if a church is not engaged in any form of business but certain individuals are involved, the church should not be taxed per se but those people accumulating wealth through church activities should be taxed.

The embattled Eaglesvale High and Junior Schools board which is in a power wrangle with the Dutch Reformed Church said it is struggling to renovate the once elite and now run down school.

“When we were appointed by the trustees we were given a task .They said this school was run by the whites of which everyone agrees the standards must not deteriorate and this is what me and the entire board is working on .It is better that we can show that black people are living people, they can do even better than the whites,” Reverend Dr Enos  Chomutiri the board chair told journalists at the school at the weekend.

“We looked around when we were appointed, and we have so far  managed to renovate the roof of a number of buildings and purchased a school bus whose value if combined amounts to over $ 280 000”.

The board however refused to comment on the power struggles because the case is still pending before the courts.

“I cannot stop you to write what you want to write. That is the first thing I would like to say. I cannot stop you. It depends with your motive. But part of your question I do not think I can answer it now because it is still in the courts” he answered to a question  on why the media continue to portray negatively works his board were doing at the school  given the bright  picture he had highlighted.

When pressed to explain to give an update of why the court cases continue if everything looked fine he said, “What I know is that when it was taken to the High Court it was a success on the side of the reformed church in Zimbabwe. The applicants had to take it to the Supreme Court it is the other side which I think very shortly you might know what is going on and what is going to happen and that is what is happening now. I do not think it is a serious issue to me it is not a serious issue,” he explained.

Last Wednesday the Supreme Court gave the board of governors of the schools the green light to contest the Dutch Reformed Church in Zimbabwe’s decision to dissolve the board and hand over the school trust to the church. The board of governors for the church-run school was dissolved sometime in 2010 and the trust handed over to the church.

The board said it was also struggling to pay its general workers whom it owes thousands of dollars since 2009.

The change of ownership of the school from their original owners the Dutch Reformed Church to the Reformed Church of Zimbabwe became problematic after the issue was politicized.

The new board held a ceremony to mark the handover of the school an event which was attended by Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo, Education minister Lazarus Dokora and Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa.

Despite an ongoing Supreme Court challenge by the Dutch Reformed Church board, the board has reportedly declared that the school was now under “The Reformed Church of Zimbabwe”.