Bishop Levee Kadenge - the national convenor of the Zimbabwe Christian Alliance - says the cholera outbreak has crippled the nation and that his country is ‘under siege and full of distress.’
‘We do not deserve what is happening,’ says Bishop Kadenge. ‘We are demoralised, we have problem after problem. But we must remain faithful to the idea that Zimbabwe will have a good future.’
The cholera outbreak has affected close to 100,000 people and has killed more than 4,200. It was triggered in part by the breakdown in the country’s infrastructure and healthcare system as well a chronic shortage of clean water.
‘Cholera is just one of the problems faced by Zimbabweans’ says William Anderson, Christian Aid’s country manager in Harare, 'anthrax, TB, malaria, and diarrhoea are all present in the country at unprecedented levels.’
The role of the Churches
Bishop Kadenge stresses the churches have an important role in sending messages of hope and steadfastness to people across the country. He says the establishment of a commission of truth and reconciliation is vital.
‘Such a commission, which must be led by the church and not the politicians, is a priority. We are a wounded people in desperate need of healing. We cannot pretend that nothing has happened. We must do our part and bring people together and repent,’ says the bishop.
Prayers for the future
At a time where the people of Zimbabwe are facing extreme food shortages, and increasing violence, Bishop Kagdenge says ' We must pray for the future of Zimbabwe, civil society organisations, NGOs and human rights groups are all part of God’s broader church and we must keep faith.’