Celebrating new year in style
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST (SDA) CHURCH elder and businessman Mr Kudakwashe Tagwirei held a Celestial Chorus Soiree during the cross-over into the new year, where President Mnangagwa commended the SDA church for contributing to Zimbabwe’s socio-economic development.
Celestial Chorus Soiree, which translates to “Heavenly Chorus Evening”, was held at the Glamis Arena in the capital, marking the beginning of the year.
The black-tie event was attended by distinguished guests, including SDA Church leaders from across Zimbabwe, pastors, members of the Harare City Centre SDA, chaplains from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces, the police and prisons, as well as various educators and Mr Tagwirei’s business associates and relatives.
President Mnangagwa, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda and the regional leader of the SDA Church in the Southern African Indian Division also virtually graced the event.
Attendance at the “unforgettable” crossover celebration into 2024, marked by spiritual ministering and captivating music, was strictly by invitation.
The event — which was also broadcast live on ZBC TV, seven radio stations and various online platforms — was organised by the Bridging Gaps Foundation, a venture led by Mr Tagwirei and his wife Sandra.
In his address, President Mnangagwa said freedom of worship would continue to be guaranteed under the Second Republic.
“I would like to thank the Seventh-Day Adventist community in Zimbabwe; as I have always said to all churches that the freedom of worship is a fundamental right that is deeply enshrined in our Constitution. The Seventh-Day Adventist Church, with more than one million baptised members in Zimbabwe, has significantly contributed in the fields of health, education, social welfare and spiritual guidance, assisting the people of Zimbabwe,” said President Mnangagwa.
“The church has developed some of the best educational institutions which have contributed to Vision 2030. To this end, I extend my heartfelt message to each of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church members, as well as many others in community of faith — a prosperous new year of 2024. Let us tap into this year, working together around our national mantra: Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo, igonamatirwa nevene vayo, igotongwa nevene vayo.”
First Lady Dr Mnangagwa also praised the church, especially the women constituency, for being faithful partners in the country’s development.
“As we celebrate the dawn of 2024, all of us together full of joy and hope with the good tidings the new year is bringing, we want to recognise one of the pillars of the Adventist home, the woman. I wish to applaud all the women in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, powerful women known as ‘Dorcas’ with the great humanitarian work they do in our beautiful country of Zimbabwe. As a nation, we appreciate your hospital visits, cleaning campaigns, feeding schemes, support to orphanages and unwavering collaboration with Angel of Hope Foundation,” said the First Lady.
“Tonight, as a woman and First Lady of Zimbabwe, I wish all the women in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church of Zimbabwe a happy, prosperous new year. May peace, trust and love reign in your homes and everywhere we take action together for the common good. Happy new year!”
ZDF Commander General Sibanda was unequivocal in his praise for the role the SDA has played in matters of spirituality and peace.
“The principles embedded in the Adventist family life emphasise the importance of peace and love. As we cross over into 2024, I as Commander of Defence Forces urge all people of various religious beliefs, the Seventh-Day Adventist in particular, to embrace peace, unity and uprightness.
Let us dedicate ourselves to nurturing our spiritual well-being and strive to build a nation founded on mutual respect, peace and love. Let us unite to make 2024 a symbol of our dedication to a country where peace, love and respect are paramount,” he said.