By Margaret Kamba 

Hundreds of people from Vhengere in Makoni District, Rusape received humanitarian aid from Johane, the 5th of Africa International Church Founder Archbishop Dr Andby Makururu in a move aimed at eradicating poverty in the area.

Over 800 people, among them the blind and crippled, gathered there, received blankets, sugar, washing soap, and bicycles. They were also taught to love one another, love their country and its leadership as well as to fear the Lord as this is the beginning of wisdom.

The programme which has also now started cascading to districts will see the elderly benefitting.

Speaking after the donations, Archbishop Makururu said the church has a role to play in uplifting the lives of the people in which it operates from.

"It's important for us as church leaders to help our congregates because we have access to God and speak on their behalf," he said.

"We are taking a leaf from His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa who is a caring leader and is working tirelessly to improve the lives of the ordinary people of this country.

"As the indigenous churches, we must therefore work to grow the nation and bring down poverty. We must also unite and desist from fighting each other. President Mnangagwa says we must bring development and leave no one and no place behind."