Express Mail Zim Corrospondent
HARARE-Calls for urgent action to curb the growing drug and substance abuse crisis among youths took centre stage during the Ezekiel Guti Day walkathon held at Grange Christian College on Saturday.
The event, which attracted hundreds of ZAOGA congregants and fitness enthusiasts, served not only as a commemoration of the late church leader’s legacy but also as a platform to confront pressing social challenges affecting Zimbabwean youths.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Dr Eunor Guti, wife of the late revered cleric Ezekiel Guti, expressed deep concern over the escalating drug abuse crisis, describing it as contrary to the values her husband stood for.
“It is a pity what is now happening with the drug scourge in Zimbabwe, where our youths are turning into zombies. This is what we used to witness together with Baba Guti in the Western world,” she said.
“His prayer was that this should never happen in our country.”
Dr Eunor Guti urged young people to remain grounded in biblical principles and avoid destructive behaviours that compromise their future.
“Our call as a church, as we commemorate Ezekiel Guti, is to encourage our children to follow the path of our father by adhering to biblical principles and resisting the temptation of drugs,” she added.
Apostle Dr Joe Guti also reinforced the importance of safeguarding the late founder’s legacy through practical interventions aimed at addressing drug abuse.
“This is a befitting occasion to celebrate the legacy of our founding father, Dr Ezekiel Guti. As a church, we have established a rehabilitation centre to assist victims of drug abuse, in line with his strong stance on morality,” he said.
The Ezekiel Guti Day commemorations began with a walkathon featuring three race categories — 5km, 10km, and a 21km half marathon — alongside aerobics sessions that promoted health and wellness.
Event director Courage Mashavave said the commemorations continue to grow in scale and impact each year.
“We are pleased with how this event is expanding annually. This year, we hosted various exhibitors, and later in the day there will be a musical show featuring emerging artistes,” he said.
Ezekiel Guti Day honours the life and legacy of Ezekiel Guti, who founded the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA) in 1960. Widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s most influential religious leaders, Guti dedicated his life to spiritual teachings, community development, and moral guidance. His ministry grew into a global movement, impacting millions through churches, educational institutions, and social programmes, with a strong emphasis on discipline, faith, and upright living
