Churches in the country have been divided by the national pledge which was imposed in schools by Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Dr Lazarus Dokora.
Last week a church grouping going by the name, Church Elders endorsed the national pledge while Prayer Network Zimbabwe (PNZ) yesterday protested, challenging government to repeal the national pledge.
Addressing the media after a closed door meeting, with Primary and Secondary Education Minister, Lazarus Dokora, Church Elders spokesperson, Apostle Dr Alexander Chisango said church elders are in full support of the national pledge.
“In various respected countries a national pledge is a pillar of national unity. Accordingly in Zimbabwe we as church elders agree on the ideal purpose, process, content and application of the National Pledge. It has become an opportunity to unite us rather than divide us.
“As result of our engagement there is a consensus that the pledge is not bad, misinformation led to the lack of direct engagement. The hearing was happening, mainly through social media but through this engagement we have established what the ministry sought to achieve through the pledge, which falls within the general global practice.
Another church group, Prayer Network Zimbabwe yesterday for the second time took to the streets a campaign against the national pledge.
Addressing, human rights activists, teachers, Christians and parents at the Ministry of Primary and Secondary education offices, PNZ founder and patron, Jacob Ngarivhume described the pledge as illegal and satanic.
“We are concerned because the pledge is in contradiction of the Constitution, with specific reference to section 60,” he said.
He added that failure to withdraw the pledge will see the Christian pressure group forcing minister Dokora out of office.
Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe, (RTUZ) president Obert Masaraure echoed the above sentiments saying that the national pledge is a direct violation of the constitution.
“The constitution states that one must not be forced to take an oath, but Dokora is forcing our children to swear, which is a direct violation of the constitution,” he said.
Zimbabwe Divine Destiny leader, Bishop Ancelimo Magaya said it is barbaric for government to force kids to recite the national pledge.
“Our kids must not be forced to recite that pledge. Government must with immediate effect, stop the national pledge,” he said adding that if the pledge is not stopped, they will force Dokora to resign .
