By Christopher Makaza

Midlands Provincial Affairs minister, Larry Mavima said current economic challenges bedevilling the nation needed home grown solutions from dedicated and united citizens.

Speaking during chiefs and churches Summit in Midlands today, Minister Mavima said churches and chiefs played critical roles in uniting people in their societies, hence their involvement in the nation`s dialogue is effective.

“We need inclusive approaches in peace building. chiefs and churches are a critical factor in our nation and should play a leading role in promoting peace and unity. Zimbabweans need home grown solutions to issues affecting us as a nation,” he said.

Minister Mavhima said the purpose of the summit was for the chiefs and churches to dialogue and set the agenda for peace in Midlands Province.

Speaking during the same event, Retired Justice Selo Masole Nare said Midlands province should be the cradle of peace in Zimbabwe.

The chiefs and church summit was held amid calls by Catholic and other Christian church leaders in Zimbabwe for serious dialogue between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa to help end the country's political and economic crisis worsened by economic sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West.

Chamisa has in the past refused to join the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) set up by President Mnangagwa to find solutions to current challenges affecting the nation arguing that the legitimacy issue be addressed first yet President Mnangagwa`s victory was endorsed by SADC and the African Union.

Chamisa is, however, receiving pressure from some of his party leadership who wants him to join the dialogue as the current harsh economic conditions are also affecting them.