6th INUKA AFRIKA Conference on

.... Bishop Mweenda says Reawakening African Identity Through Faith

By Francis Maingaila ♥️

Lusaka, Zambia24  — (29-10-2024) - The 6th INUKA AFRIKA Annual Gatekeepers Conference will convene leaders, community members, and professionals from across Africa at the Government Complex in Lusaka from Thursday, October 31, to Saturday, November 2, 2024. 

Under the theme “Formed to Engage!” (Mark 3:14), the conference promises three impactful days of discussions and workshops aimed at promoting ethical leadership and societal improvement across Africa.

 Inuka Africa, a continent-wide organization, has launched an initiative to revive a distinct African identity rooted in faith and cultural values.

Bishop Percy Kadzyanike, Chairman of Salt & Light International, stated that Inuka Africa seeks to address the "cultural erosion caused by colonialism and the influence of Western customs."

The organization's name, meaning "Arise Africa" in Swahili, promotes Ubuntu—a philosophy centered on kindness, respect, and interconnectedness. 

“Ubuntu embodies the idea that ‘we are who we are because of others,’” Bishop Kadzyanike explained, noting that Inuka Africa aims to counter "corruption, selfishness, and entitlement," values he believes are inconsistent with African principles.

He added that the mission, inspired by biblical teachings, emphasizes humility, service, and love for others. 

“The principle of ‘loving your neighbor as yourself’ is central to our work,” he remarked, expressing that these values encourage leaders across Africa to prioritize collective progress over personal gain.

Inuka Africa also emphasizes respect for authority, elders, and peers as essential to both African traditions and biblical values.

 Bishop Kadzyanike said the organization envisions "a generation of disciplined, innovative leaders" who can address Africa’s challenges through community-centered solutions. 

“By fostering a culture of creativity and responsibility, we believe Africa can develop solutions that benefit entire communities,” he commented.

Currently active in 18 African nations, Inuka Africa includes both French- and English-speaking countries in its efforts to foster continental unity. 

Bishop Kadzyanike described the organization’s work to cultivate “gatekeepers” who will lead by example in various sectors, promoting ethics and moral values in business, government, and education. “These leaders will serve as ‘salt and light’ in society,” he said.

Amid ongoing debates on cultural identity, Inuka Africa’s mission emphasizes the balance between modernization and traditional values. 

Bishop Kadzyanike stated that the organization aims to rekindle African pride grounded in Ubuntu and faith. “Re-embracing these values,” he concluded, “will help Africa tackle issues such as corruption and inequality, with a renewed sense of purpose.”

Bishop Andrew Mweenda, Host of the Inuka Afrika Gatekeepers Conference in Zambia and Overseer of Bethel Ministries and Assemblies, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to hold this significant event in Lusaka. 

“This conference provides a crucial platform for us to confront issues like corruption head-on and to foster the ethical development of our younger generations,” Mweenda stated, emphasizing that the gathering is intended to address some of the most pressing issues facing the continent today, particularly the challenges of corruption and moral decline among youth.

Mweenda emphasized the importance of personal transformation for driving meaningful community change, encouraging participation from all individuals. 

“We want to inspire leaders to lead with integrity, reflecting the same values seen in the lives of figures like Daniel,” he stated, underscoring the significance of faith-based leadership in today’s world. 

The conference will also feature discussions on how ethical leadership can drive development and change within various sectors of society.

Saturday will continue with a full day focused on community change, structured to empower attendees to take actionable steps in transforming their communities. 

This final day aims to cultivate a unified leadership approach that reflects Zambia’s diverse cultural and spiritual landscape. 

The Inuka Africa forum invites public service members, business owners, and organizational leaders to engage in discussions that translate these values into action. 

Kicking off the conference will be a Business Breakfast on Thursday, October 31, from 7:30 AM to 10:00 AM, which will require tickets for entry. 

Zambia’s Vice President is anticipated to attend as the guest of honor. This event will bring together corporate leaders to discuss the role of business in promoting social responsibility and ethical practices. 

Mizinga Melu, Managing Director of ABSA, will headline the breakfast with a presentation focusing on the personal responsibilities of leaders in corporate settings and how their actions influence organizational ethics and workplace culture.

 “Leaders have the power to shape not only their organizations but also the ethical landscape of the marketplace,” noted Paul Wafula, Group Director of Internal Control and Complaints. 

He characterized corporate leaders as “kingly priests” who bear both secular and ethical obligations.

Wafula emphasized the urgency for leaders to champion societal needs and advocate for community-driven change, stating, “Our goal is to address the essential needs of society, driving positive impact within our communities and beyond.” 

He further explained that the breakfast discussions will explore how individual leaders can shape corporate culture and ethical standards within organizations, as well as the obligations companies have toward society.

 The agenda includes examining how businesses can contribute to societal development, from community projects to advocating for policy changes that benefit the public.

Following the breakfast, an Open Session will commence at 4:00 PM, inviting government officials, members of the Christian community, and non-Christians alike. 

This inclusive session reflects the conference’s commitment to fostering unity and collaboration across diverse backgrounds. 

Advocate Joy Mdivo, Chairperson of Kenya Power and Lighting Company, will call for a return to value-based leadership in Zambia, emphasizing the need for a shared foundation of values to bridge the country's cultural diversity and foster unity in leadership. 

“The issue we are currently facing stems from a lack of value-based leadership,” Mdivo stated. 

“We have diverse cultures and backgrounds brought together into one nation, yet we struggle to find common ground.”

Mdivo further elaborated on the goals of the Inuka Africa initiative, which aims to guide the nation towards unity by encouraging leaders to adopt faith and trust in God as a foundation for decision-making. 

“We want to discuss how we can foster leadership rooted in faith-based values,” she stated, emphasizing that this approach extends beyond religious institutions. 

“This mandate is not solely for church leaders but for those of us in secular roles to embrace the Great Commission in our workplaces and communities.” 

To further this vision, Inuka Africa will hold a public forum on November 1st, focusing on leadership in public service and how faith-based values can shape ethical governance. 

Mdivo and other leaders will discuss practical ways to integrate integrity, humility, and accountability into the workplace, creating an environment where, as she noted, “when the righteous prosper, the city rejoices.” 

She said this will underscores the belief that principled leadership benefits the entire community.

Friday's agenda features sessions from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM tailored for parliamentarians, women, and youth. 

Mdivo and her team hope the forum will cultivate a unified leadership approach that reflects Zambia’s diverse cultural and spiritual landscape.

Throughout the conference, there will also be ample opportunities for interaction and networking, including discussions with journalists and other media professionals.

“We see this conference as a valuable opportunity to engage with critical societal issues and collaborate on solutions that uplift our communities,” Mweenda said, inviting all interested parties to attend and participate. “Together, we can raise the bar and drive meaningful change.”

Percy, a representative of the organizing committee, expressed confidence that the conference would yield significant insights and foster a sense of collective responsibility among participants. 

“The Inuka Africa Conference is not just a gathering; it is a movement aimed at inspiring leaders to adopt a proactive approach in their communities,” he stated.

 “By focusing on integrity and ethical values, we can instill hope and drive transformative change across the continent.”

The Inuka Afrika Conference seeks to lay the groundwork for a future where leaders are driven by principles that benefit society as a whole. 

The event offers a unique platform for leaders across Africa to engage, learn, and inspire one another toward a shared vision of ethical leadership and community transformation.