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Just be patient, says ZCC leader

INNER CIRCLE: Mmebers of ZCC queue to enter the curch where the bishop delivers the sermon in Moria City, outside Polokwane in Limpopo. Pic. Edward Maahlamela. 09/04/07. © Sowetan.
INNER CIRCLE: Mmebers of ZCC queue to enter the curch where the bishop delivers the sermon in Moria City, outside Polokwane in Limpopo. Pic. Edward Maahlamela. 09/04/07. © Sowetan.

Selby Makgotho

Selby Makgotho

The Zion Christian Church (ZCC) has warned that external interference in the political situation in Zimbabwe will worsen matters instead of bringing a solution.

The church said foreign mediation in the current volatile political situation in Zimbabwe would only lead to further crisis and definitely not achieve the intended objectives.

In his yearly Easter message to millions of worshippers in Moria City, Bishop Barnabas Lekganyane said Zimbabweans should find solutions themselves.

"Just like South Africans did in 1994, let the Zimbabweans emulate that good example and follow suit," Lekganyane said.

"Inviting foreign intervention will encourage foreign agendas, which might be detrimental to Zimbabwe and further polarise the parties we intend bringing together.

"Let us not forget that the South African conflict was resolved by South Africans themselves. The splendid dispensation was ushered in by the efforts of the indigenous populace of this country," he said.

"We wish to congratulate countries of the Southern African Development Community for their decisions to rope in President Thabo Mbeki to mediate in the Zimbabwean conflict. In support of SADC leaders, we are committing ourselves as the ZCC to keep on praying for President Mbeki's success in this mammoth task.

"To all the ZCC members in Zimbabwe, we will keep praying for you. Yours is to exercise patience and all shall follow," the bishop said.

He also wished Mbeki well in his efforts to give guidance and facilitate dialogue in the troubled African countries of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Burundi, the Comores and Somalia.

"Included in these prayers is our country's non-permanent membership of the United Nation's Security Council as it contributes towards international peace and security.

"Let all the communication lines remain open between South Africa and the leaders of Israel, Palestine, Iraq, Iran, the Persian Gulf and any other country that South Africa may give guidance to in the resolution of any conflict.

"Relations with Brazil, India, China, Japan, and North America will top up the economic muscle of South Africa to provide jobs, skills and finally alleviate poverty," the bishop said.

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