By Margaret Kamba 

There has been this misconception that indigenous churches who worship under the tree are backward and can not adopt themselves to sophistication. It is foolhardy to assume that things must happen overnight, bringing a change that one's eyes desire.

Despite the adage Rome was not built in a day, you still find people thinking it must be, and if it can not be, then it can't happen.

This misconception or illusion is so rife in many of us that we do not take time to reflect and enjoy these milestones that make up history such that we at some point in the future can look back and say I was part of that change.

We are so bent in finding fault that we allow our neighbors to see the value that we have but are too blind and hell-bent not to see.

As we speak, there are so many strides being registered under the current leadership of His Excellency President E.D Mnangagwa in all spheres literally, business, agriculture, mining, tourism, infrastructure development and the rest of them that cannot be seen or appreciated by some. It is only those who know the pain that was there before who understand how those positive changes have turned their lives around to make them masters of their destiny.

The indigenous churches, for instance, appreciate President Mnangagwa's involvement in allowing them to thrive under his leadership. Their ability to cut even across nations flying the flag high is something they appreciate and are absolutely grateful for.

Archbishop Andby Makururu says "Through the leadership of President Mnangagwa, we have managed as the Church of Johane the 5th of Africa to work to unite ruling Parties within the region for instance ZANU PF and the ANC and to unite nations. We have been teaching the ANC that their problems can only be fixed by ZANU PF as they are joined by blood and that their problems are the same. We have also managed to pray for peace and unity in times of elections because we were sent by God to unite just as Jesus was. We believe that there is an origin of that power and that this origin is God hence, our work runs smoothly," he said.

President Mnangagwa's support for the indigenous churches is allowing them to flourish seen through our structures, which are strong. We have been conducting workshops with our church members to equip them with the skills of developing their countries. Courses include servant leadership, financial management, ethics and etiquette, conflict management and mediation, vision casting and goal setting as well as mentorship and discipleship."

ANC leadership included the Provincial Executive Committee member Cde Fetty Mamikie Alina Khaile-Mnguni and ANC Lakeside Councillor Thabang Sithole thanked the Archbishop Makururu for the work the church is doing.

"I want to thank Archbishop Makururu for being here to pray for peace and unity. I am happy there is a church that is preaching Africanism. Let us desist from blaming the ANC for actions by individuals. As we go to the elections, let us build our country in unity and peace."