Southern Province Minister Edgar Sin’gombe has called on the church to use its influence and grassroots presence to mobilise Zambians towards achieving the targets of the Grow Zambia Agenda. Mr Sin’gombe says the church is a powerful partner in national development, capable of…

Southern Province Minister Edgar Sin’gombe has called on the church to use its influence and grassroots presence to mobilise Zambians towards achieving the targets of the Grow Zambia Agenda.

Mr Sin’gombe says the church is a powerful partner in national development, capable of driving public participation and changing mindsets at community level.

The Minister was speaking in Choma when Seventh-day Adventist Church Mosi-Oa-Tunya Conference President, Pastor Maxwell Muvwimi called on him.

Mr Sing’ombe said if the church embraces the Grow Zambia Agenda, it will be easier for ordinary Zambians to understand, accept and participate in the programme.

“We want the church to embrace the Grow Zambia Agenda so that Christians can adapt quickly. When the church speaks, the people listen,” said Mr Sing’ombe.

He explained that government alone cannot drive development, adding that the church has the moral authority to mobilise citizens and encourage hard work, unity and patriotism, and further pledged to be a pressure point of development from President Hakainde Hichilema to the defenceless, orphan’s, widows and widowers.

Meanwhile, Mosi Oa Tunya conference President Maxwell Muvwimi, who led the delegation of other pastors has commended President Hakainde Hichilema for introducing free education, while calling on elected leaders to uphold integrity and fight corruption.

“We thank President Hakainde Hichilema for free education, today, a vulnerable child can go to school without paying.” said Pastor Muvwimi.

Pastor Muvwimi said many families who previously could not afford to send their children to school are now hopeful, describing free education as a true reflection of a government that cares for the poor.

The church leader further urged all elected leaders to put God at the centre of the Grow Zambia Agenda, saying national development without God will not be sustainable.

Pastor Muvwimi said leaders should lead with integrity, prayer and service to the people, and not use their positions for personal gain.

The meeting ended with a commitment by both the government and the church to continue working together for the development of Southern Province.