The President has sent me to come and give you an empowerment fund of US$200,000. Everything has a starting point, this is a seed coming from the President. You need to go and plant this seed and water it with prayers, and you will see it blossom,” said Tungwarara.
However, observers have raised alarm over the growing use of public and private funds by Mnangagwa’s administration to co-opt religious institutions into partisan politics. The Vapostori4ED movement — a church-based arm of the ruling Zanu PF party — has been mobilizing religious followers in support of Mnangagwa’s contested presidency.
Chairperson of Vapostori4ED, Madzibaba Moses Gwasira, praised the fund as a gesture of compassion and inclusivity, claiming, “We are grateful to receive this gift from the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa. He indeed has people at heart.”
The handover coincided with the Johane Masowe eChishanu church’s three-day national conference, where sect members claimed to be praying for national peace, reduced road carnage, and the success of Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 agenda.
In addition to the cash disbursement, Tungwarara promised that the apostolic churches would benefit from borehole drilling projects and the construction of ablution facilities at their shrines — further entrenching Mnangagwa’s patronage network within grassroots religious communitiesCorrespondent-President Emmerson Mnangagwa has handed over US$200,000 to Apostolic and Zion church leaders under the guise of a “Presidential Empowerment Fund,” in what critics say is a blatant act of political bribery aimed at buying loyalty from influential religious groups ahead of future elections.
The money was disbursed during the Vapostori4ED international conference held in Harare on Saturday, where Mnangagwa’s emissary, Presidential Investment Advisor, Paul Tungwarara, described the fund as “a seed” meant to support income-generating projects within the sects.
Info News
The Impact of Social Media on Modern Society
Social media has revolutionized communication and transformed the way people interact globally. Platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and X have become central parts of everyday life, allowing users to share information, connect with friends, and access entertainment instantly. Social media has created new opportunities for businesses, influencers, educators, and activists while also introducing challenges related to privacy, misinformation, and mental health.
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One of the biggest benefits of social media is the ability to communicate with people worldwide in real time. Businesses use digital platforms to market products and engage with customers directly. Influencers and content creators build careers by producing videos, educational content, and entertainment for large online audiences. Social media has also played an important role in spreading awareness about social issues, political movements, and humanitarian causes.
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However, social media also presents significant risks. Cyberbullying, misinformation, fake news, and online harassment have become major concerns. Many users, especially teenagers, experience anxiety and low self-esteem due to unrealistic beauty standards and constant online comparison. Excessive social media use can also reduce productivity and negatively impact mental health.
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Governments and technology companies are increasingly introducing regulations and content moderation systems to improve online safety. Experts encourage users to practice responsible digital behavior, verify information carefully, and maintain healthy screen time habits. As social media continues evolving, balancing digital freedom with ethical responsibility remains an important challenge for society.
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Artificial Intelligence and Automation Are Reshaping Global Industries
Artificial intelligence and automation technologies are transforming industries across the world at an unprecedented pace. Businesses are using AI-powered systems to automate repetitive tasks, analyze data faster, improve customer service, and increase operational efficiency. Industries including healthcare, banking, transportation, agriculture, and retail are all experiencing major technological changes driven by AI innovation.
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AI-powered chatbots, recommendation systems, fraud detection software, and predictive analytics tools are becoming common across digital platforms. Businesses are increasingly investing in machine learning technology to improve decision-making and reduce operating costs. In healthcare, AI systems are assisting doctors with diagnoses, patient monitoring, and medical research.
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Automation is also changing the global workforce by reducing the need for some traditional jobs while creating demand for new digital skills. Technology experts encourage workers to focus on cybersecurity, software development, data analysis, and digital marketing skills to remain competitive in evolving job markets.
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Despite concerns about job displacement and privacy risks, experts believe artificial intelligence will continue driving economic growth and technological innovation. Governments and businesses are expected to invest heavily in digital infrastructure and workforce training programs over the next decade.
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