On the 30th of October, 2024, Rev. S. Cele, the UCCSA Zimbabwe Synod Secretary and Zimbabwe Council of Churches Economic Justice Chairperson, delivered a powerful devotion during the Zimbabwe Alternative Mining Indaba (ZAMI) 2024. His reflections drawn from Matthew 14:15-21, in which Jesus miraculously feeds the 5,000, serve as both a spiritual reminder and a call to action for addressing Zimbabwe’s socio-economic challenges.
Rev. Cele highlighted the pivotal moment when Jesus, faced with a hungry crowd, instructed his disciples to feed them despite their initial doubts about the sufficiency of their resources. This passage reflects a profound message about #abundance, #faith, and #communal responsibility. Just as Jesus insisted that no one should leave, this reminded participants of the ZAMI that resources in Zimbabwe, such as minerals, land, and agriculture, are meant to benefit all citizens, not just a select few. The disciples’ reluctance to act stemmed from a perception of scarcity. Rev. Cele urged people to reconsider their views on resources, asserting that there is enough for everyone if managed wisely. He also pointed out the socio-economic landscape in Zimbabwe, which is marred by high poverty levels, rampant drug abuse, and increasing inequality. These issues, he argued, are largely connected to the mismanagement of resources, underscoring the need for collective action and accountability.
Focusing on the debt crisis, Rev. Cele expressed deep concern over Zimbabwe’s escalating debt, which now stands at approximately US$21 billion as of June 2024 (an 18.6% jump from US$17.7 billion reported in September 2023), with US$12.3 billion in external debt and US$8.7 billion in domestic debt. This situation has severe implications for sustainable development and the well-being of citizens. The increasing burden of both external and domestic debt hampers economic growth and places additional pressure on citizens. He emphasized the pressing need for stronger oversight of public finances and debt management practices to ensure that resources are used effectively and transparently.
In light of these challenges, Rev. Cele proposed several measures to be considered in the upcoming National Budget and National Development Strategy 2. He called for a thorough review of laws governing public finance and debt management to align them with constitutional and regional standards. He also advocated for strengthening parliamentary oversight on debt monitoring to promote accountability among government officials and for ensuring transparency in the debts of local authorities through verification by the Public Debt Management Office.
In concluding his theological reflections, Rev. Cele urged participants to pray for wisdom and guidance in navigating these complex challenges. He emphasized that through faith and collective action, Zimbabwe can transform its resources from sources of division into tools for unity and growth.
UCCSA Zimbabwe Synod Communications Dept
Article by: Jethro Ncube