News / National
Mizeki pilgrimage brings brisk business to Marondera
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The annual Bernard Mizeki pilgrimage concluded yesterday, with thousands of pilgrims returning to their homes amid vibrant celebrations and a noticeable economic boost for local businesses in the farming town of Marondera.
The event, which began last Friday, attracted approximately 15,000 pilgrims from across Zimbabwe, the Southern African region, and beyond. The pilgrimage honors Bernard Mizeki, an African Christian missionary and martyr who was killed in 1896.
A recent survey highlighted the bustling activity in Marondera during the pilgrimage period. Transport operators were among the biggest beneficiaries, ferrying large numbers of pilgrims to the Bernard Mizeki shrine, located 15 kilometres outside the town's central business district.
The church's rehabilitation of the access roads to the shrine facilitated smoother travel, contributing to a marked increase in traffic volume compared to previous years.
Taurai Maenge, a local commuter omnibus operator, said the pilgrimage brought a welcome surge in business. "We are making money, and there is no time to rest since last week. We are carrying people who are going to the shrine, and we have increased our bus fare from $2 to $3," he said.
Fellow transport operator Tendai Mandizha expressed similar sentiments, adding, "We are happy that whenever there is a Bernard Mizeki event, we have good business. I think the church should have such programmes many times."
Anglican Diocese of Manicaland Bishop Eric Ruwona described the pilgrimage as a significant event on the church's calendar. "Everyone is happy to be part of this gathering, and we are happy with the attendance," he said.
The Bernard Mizeki pilgrimage continues to be an important spiritual and cultural occasion, drawing large crowds and positively impacting local economies in Marondera and beyond.
The event, which began last Friday, attracted approximately 15,000 pilgrims from across Zimbabwe, the Southern African region, and beyond. The pilgrimage honors Bernard Mizeki, an African Christian missionary and martyr who was killed in 1896.
A recent survey highlighted the bustling activity in Marondera during the pilgrimage period. Transport operators were among the biggest beneficiaries, ferrying large numbers of pilgrims to the Bernard Mizeki shrine, located 15 kilometres outside the town's central business district.
The church's rehabilitation of the access roads to the shrine facilitated smoother travel, contributing to a marked increase in traffic volume compared to previous years.
Taurai Maenge, a local commuter omnibus operator, said the pilgrimage brought a welcome surge in business. "We are making money, and there is no time to rest since last week. We are carrying people who are going to the shrine, and we have increased our bus fare from $2 to $3," he said.
Fellow transport operator Tendai Mandizha expressed similar sentiments, adding, "We are happy that whenever there is a Bernard Mizeki event, we have good business. I think the church should have such programmes many times."
Anglican Diocese of Manicaland Bishop Eric Ruwona described the pilgrimage as a significant event on the church's calendar. "Everyone is happy to be part of this gathering, and we are happy with the attendance," he said.
The Bernard Mizeki pilgrimage continues to be an important spiritual and cultural occasion, drawing large crowds and positively impacting local economies in Marondera and beyond.
Source - NewsDay
