A Celebration of Faith, Empowerment, and Economic Growth
Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi has expressed her admiration for the leadership of Johhane The Fifth of Africa Commander Archbishop Andby Makururu, who hosted his church’s International Women’s Conference in Mvuma, Midlands province. This significant event attracted between 12,000 and 15,000 delegates from across the Southern African Development Region. Rwodzi highlighted how such gatherings contribute to local business, hospitality facilities, and cultural exchanges.
Rwodzi, who also serves as a Zanu PF Gokwe North Member of Parliament, attended the conference alongside Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Development in the Office of the President and Cabinet Owen Ncube, who was represented by a special delegate from his office. She emphasized the importance of these events in promoting religious and gastronomy tourism.
“Faith-based conferences generate cultural movement across provinces and borders, creating opportunities for local businesses, hospitality facilities, and heritage-based exchanges,” she said. Rwodzi encouraged women and girls to maintain their faith while actively participating in the economy.
“Women of Faith must not withdraw from enterprise. The Tourism and Hospitality Industry has space for you, from accommodation services to heritage promotion. Let your spirituality guide your ethics as you build sustainable businesses,” she added.
The annual International Women’s Conference drew 12,000 to 15,000 pilgrims and was held under the theme “United we serve, Africa we rise.” Archbishop Commander Makururu spoke about the significance of African women being anointed for stewardship under God.
“We are not gathered here for ceremony,” declared Archbishop Makururu. “We are gathered for consecration and commission. The African woman is anointed for stewardship under God. When we say united we serve, we speak of service rooted in Christ and expressed through industry, discipline, and integrity.”
Makururu welcomed Minister Rwodzi with a pastoral reflection on the role of the Church in nation-building. He emphasized that women are fragile and only the Church can mold them into full citizens when working in submission to governing authorities.
“The virtuous woman in Scripture was industrious and discerning. So must you be. Spiritual maturity must translate into measurable productivity for the upliftment of our Nation and the SADC region,” he said.
Addressing the young girls who formed a visible segment of the gathering, Makururu shifted into a pastoral charge. “To every young girl present, you are covenant carriers. Your education is your preparation and your faith is your compass. Refuse moral compromise. The God who calls you also equips you to excel in classrooms, boardrooms, and prayer rooms.”
A key segment of the conference saw the conferment of certificates to graduates from various SADC countries who completed entrepreneurship and women business capacity building programmes under Makururu’s regional initiative. These programs train women and girls in innovative enterprise models, aligning them with Vision 2050 aspirations of SADC Member States and the National modernisation and industrialisation drive toward Vision 2030 in the Great Republic of Zimbabwe.
“This altar produces builders,” Archbishop Makururu said. “Through skills transfer and enterprise incubation, we are preparing women to participate fully in Vision 2050 and to contribute to the National Vision by 2030. No one and no place must be left out of development.”
Rwodzi reiterated her encouragement for women and girls to guard their faith while embracing economic participation. “Women of Faith must not withdraw from enterprise. The Tourism and Hospitality Industry has space for you — from accommodation services to heritage promotion. Let your spirituality guide your ethics as you build sustainable businesses.”
Owen Ncube, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Development, emphasized the importance of women empowerment and inclusion in national development. His representative stated, “Programmes that equip women and girls with entrepreneurial competencies are aligned with the broader National agenda under HE President Dr ED Mnangagwa to ensure inclusive growth.”
