E. Vengeyi, The Bible as a source of strength among Zimbabwean women ...interview argued that when she talks about injustice, she is basically
referring to all the things that are forbidden in the Bible. When she was
asked why she has been always critical of President Mugabe’s govern-
ment, her response was,
I have not always been a vocal critic of President Mugabe’s government. I
have always been a vocal critic of injustice, backwardness, intolerance, bru-
tality, selfishness, greedy, you name it; all the things that are listed in the
Bible as deadly sins...^41
It is most likely that Dangarembga cited the Bible in order to appeal to
the ordinary people especially women given that as an academician, she
has always been writing in favour of women. Now as a politician, she
knows that women are the majority in church and in society hence sig-
nificant for votes. This is critical in the Zimbabwean situation because
politicians usually appeal to the Bible and the church to advance their
political careers.
Promoting forgiveness throughout the country, in her address on the
occasion of the Official Opening of the Seventh Day Adventist National
Women’s Ministries Congress held in Bulawayo, Vice President Joyce
Mujuru appealed to all mothers, sisters and all Christians who were
present to spread the word of national healing, reconciliation and for-
giveness. She realized that her message needed biblical support to be
more appealing. As such she said, ‘the Bible teaches us to forgive. Hard
as it may be, we need to learn to forgive each other and God will bless
this nation and unlock its great potential.’^42 Although she did not quote
a specific biblical text, it is no doubt that she had in mind, Matthew
18:21-22 which encourages followers of Christ to learn to forgive their
adversaries as many times as is possible. This is most credible consider-
ing that Francis Machingura has observed that during the call for na-
(^41) ‘Dangarembga’s New Venture’, News24, 21 June 2010, available online, http://www.
news24.com/Africa/Zimbabwe/Dangarembga-new-venture-20100621, accessed on 30
June 2010.
(^42) Speech by the Vice President Hon. J.T.R. Mujuru at The Official Opening of the
Seventh Day Adventist National Women’s Ministries Congress: Solusi Univ.: 22 April
2010, Available online, http://www.vpmujuru office.gov.zw/index.php?option=com_,
accessed on 26 July 2010.