By Pamenus Tuso
For nearly three decades, the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ) has been quietly transforming lives in Binga, one of the country’s most remote and underdeveloped districts.
Guided by the belief that true evangelism must touch both soul and society, the church has become a lifeline for thousands who had long been cut off from essential services such as education and healthcare.
Reverend Ezekiel Baloyi, Moderator of the RCZ both locally and internationally said the church began evangelising in the area around 1997 when the area was still largely inaccessible and neglected.
“Our mission is not only to preach the gospel but to build lives. The missionaries who came before us in 1891 evangelised through education and healthcare and we are continuing that same model today,” said Rev Baloyi in an interview with Cite.
What started as a small outreach in Tinde has now grown into a network of schools and clinics serving communities spread across the rugged Binga landscape. The RCZ’s first major project was Tinde Clinic which provided health services to villagers who previously walked dozens of kilometres to seek treatment.
Encouraged by the impact, traditional leaders such as chief Pashu invited the church to expand into education. Soon after the RCZ built Manyanda primary and secondary Schools.
The success of these institutions inspired another major development, the construction of Mabobolo primary and secondary schools which were officially opened by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“From 1997 up to now, we have built schools, clinics and are now planning to upgrade one of our secondary schools into a boarding school. We also plan to convert one of our clinics into a mission hospital that will serve as a referral centre for the entire district,” revealed Reverend Baloyi
The recent electrification of Mabobolo and Manyanda schools marks a turning point for the region.
With power now available, students will for the first time, have access to computer studies, digital research and science laboratories.
“Electricity will transform learning here,” said Baloyi. “Now our children can study computer science, chemistry and physics. They can research using the internet. This will bring a great transformation to this community.”
For Binga, one of Zimbabwe’s least developed districts such progress is nothing short of revolutionary. The church envisions that these facilities will nurture a new generation of educated, empowered young people who can help lift their community out of poverty.
The Reformed Church’s approach rests on three key pillars, spiritual growth, education, and health.
“A complete person must be spiritually, educationally and physically healthy. That is why our ministry touches all three aspects,” he said.
RCZ has so far built three clinics across Binga, and hopes to open all of them to the public by next year.
The church works hand-in-hand with traditional leaders and government officials to ensure the institutions are well maintained and serve the local population effectively.
“We partner the government because we cannot leave everything to them. Our role is to complement their efforts by building schools, preaching the word and providing healthcare.”
Binga’s plight mirrors that of many areas in Matabeleland North where long distances to school, poor infrastructure, and underfunded facilities continue to hinder education. In some cases, children walk up to 20 kilometres daily to attend classes. The shortage of schools and safe boarding facilities has exposed many, particularly girls to dangers such as sexual abuse and early pregnancies.
Nationally, the Ministry of primary and secondary education admits to a backlog of 2,800 schools and the government’s 2024 education budget allocation of 17.7% remains below international commitments under the Dakar Declaration.
While other church and humanitarian organisations like the Catholic Church and World Vision have intervened with projects such as girls’ hostels and solar-powered facilities, it is the Reformed Church’s consistent presence in Binga that stands out as a model of sustainable and faith-driven development.
With the completion of new schools, clinics, and electrification projects, the RCZ’s mission in Binga is bearing fruit not only in worship halls but in classrooms and clinics as well.
“It is our prayer that by next year, the clinics in Mabobolo and Manyanda will be fully operational. Our work here is to build the community, body, mind and spirit.”
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