By Stanley Chirimbani
The Ruwadzano RweMadzimai (RRW) women’s group recently celebrated its 75th anniversary at Nyambeya, honoring 16 founding members who played a significant role in shaping the organization’s spiritual heritage.
The event was held under the theme ‘Honouring the cloth that carried the spirit,’ highlighting the symbolic importance of the RRW uniform.
The RRW uniform, introduced in 1948 after a gathering ( Dumba) at Old Mutare, represents the call to serve Jesus Christ and the United Methodist Church.
During the celebrations, a moment of silence was observed to honor the founding members who have passed on. Their families received awards in recognition of their loved ones’ contributions.
Speaking during the celebrations at ZEAC RRW Convention at Nyambeya, RRW President Reverend Dr Mazvita Machinga praised the legacy that was left by the Heroines of the blue army.
“We are celebrating a legacy that inspired generations, and we are proud to wear the uniforms and to be called the blue army of faith. The meaning of the RRW cloth represents the call by Jesus Christ unto his work; it makes us to be the workers in the United Methodist church. The colour of the uniform is an emblem of the deep story that we have lived through as believers with the blue representing our lives as sinners, while the red on the collar and belt symbolizes the interception and cleansing of our sins by God and the Holy Spirit. Lastly, the white represents the beauty of living in the body of Christ our Lord and saviour “.Reverend Dr Mazvita Machinga said.
The just ended RRW Convention’s 75years Anniversary Celebrations which were held across the Zimbabwe Episcopacy aimed at honouring the custodians of the spiritual heritage in the RRW wing. a moment of silence, was taken to honour founding members who are now deceased that include Lydia Chimonyo, Edith Marange, Lydia Mandizera, Lilian Machiri, Emily Rugayo, Emma Katsidzira, Judith Munjoma, Maud Chitombo , Else Chikosi, Esther Mupikata, Naomi Makuto, Katherine Cheke, Lydia Kamusono, Esther Jangano, Helen Pedzeni and Julia Chingono. Their honouring awards were received by their families.
Bishop Gift Kudakwashe Machinga challenged the congregation to reflect on their lives.
“What legacy will you leave to the people? I encouraged those who do not have the uniform to be patient instead of complaining. He instructed those who have uniform not to mock or discriminated those haven’t acquired the uniform,” added Machinga.
UMC Bishop Gift Kudakwashe Machinga urged members to appreciate the uniform’s significance and to exercise faith and good character. He also recommended that the organization standardize the uniform’s pricing to make it more accessible.
Mrs Yvonne Nhamo, a recent recipient of the uniform, expressed her commitment to servant leadership and spreading the word of God. She sees her membership in the RRW as a mission to make a positive impact in her community.
“I am really happy to join the blue army. It’s a special occasion that marks the beginning of my mission in the world amongst the RRW, and I pray the Lord helps me make a great impact in the society.
The 75th-anniversary celebrations marked a significant milestone in the RRW’s history, emphasizing the importance of faith, unity, and service.