The elections in Zimbabwe brought the nation a great deal of trauma in its aftermath. Many people were displaced. Some were killed. Many lost property. These factors increased the already high inflation. As a result there is much disagreement as people remember the evils that took place during and after the elections.

Since the elections, the Zimbabwean economy has not improved even though the use of the local currency was phased out. At present Zimbabwe uses at least four currencies namely Sterling, the US dollar, the Botswana Pula and the Rand. This has not been easy for most people, in particular for those who have no access to hard currency living, as they do, in the rural areas.

The Church is trying to repair some of the damage done by the politicians. It is leading in the peace and reconciliation process and has organised workshops and counselling for the victims.

The Church is also trying to educate the faithful on the importance of the draft of the new Constitution.

I would like to say thank you for the great support of Missio in England and Wales, especially through Mission Together and the Society of St Peter the Apostle (SPA).

Due to high inflation and because the government could not pay the teachers, many of them left for greener pastures and a number of schools were left without teachers. The help we have received through Mission Together has helped our Bishops to bridge the gap.

The Archbishop of Harare, Robert Ndlovu is in the process of converting some stables at a former farm into classrooms. The Dominican Sisters have gladly accepted the offer of running this school.

The Priests and students would have found seminary life harder, especially with Zimbabwe’s erratic rains which made it difficult to grow a proportion of their own food in order to supplement their diet. Thanks once again for all the assistance from the Society of St Peter the Apostle for helping to feed our future priests and their teachers.

The Church in Zimbabwe is still hard hit. Although the shops are well-stocked at present, for the ordinary person life is still not easy, as some of the goods on sale are quite expensive. The Church, therefore, plays a major role by giving hope to the people, hoping and praying that things will improve.