It was a memorable day of praise, prophecies and politics on as President Emmerson Mnangagwa ditched the formal suit for the spiritual company of the Johane Masowe Chishanu Church, delivering a message that was part sermon, part campaign rally, and entirely optimistic.
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Read E-PaperAddressing the National Spiritual Conference in Highfields a suburb he called “a place we revere” for its deep links to Zimbabwe’s liberation history, the President received a heroes’ welcome from the church’s leadership, led by His Eminence Madzibaba Moses Gwasarira.
But it was not all serious statecraft. The President leaned heavily into the church’s spiritual rhythm, urging the congregation to keep the political machine oiled with prayer.
In a moment that drew loud cheers, he declared the ruling party’s dominance as divinely ordained.
“ZANU PF haina kwainoenda, icharamba ichitonga, ichingotonga, ichingotonga, Halleluyah.” (ZANU PF is not going anywhere, it will continue ruling, just ruling, just ruling, Hallelujah.)
Beyond the politics, the President turned his attention to the weather forecast and he was not impressed.
With El Niño looming, he made a heartfelt plea to the Apostolic faithful to put their faith to work against the dry skies.
“Kunyangwe vanoona nezvemamiriro ekunze vachiti kungava ne El-Nino, tinoku kurudzirai kuti mubatane nemamwe makereke emunyika yedu tinamatire mvura.”
(Even though weather experts say there may be El Niño, we encourage you to join other churches in our country and pray for rain.)
He backed up his request with a verse, proving he came with his Bible well-read.
“Psalms 147 verse 8, Says ‘He covers the sky with clouds, He supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills.'”
And then, in a playful yet pointed dig at the opposition, the President Mnangagwa reminded the congregation of the church’s “binding” power, borrowing their spiritual authority for his own political backers.
“Nhasi ndanzwa zvisungo zvavamareva imi vechipostori, zvekunamati ra nyika yedu, upfumi hwedu, uye nebato redu riri kutonga reZANU PF. Shoko benyu rinoti, zvasungwa pasi pano, nekudenga zvasungwawo.” (Today I heard the binding declarations you Apostles have made, praying for our country, our wealth, and our ruling party ZANU PF. Your word says, whatever is bound on earth is bound in heaven.)
The event also had a very charitable side. The President thanked the church for its massive donation to the nation’s healthcare system, a gift that did not go unnoticed.
“Ndinokutendai nechipo che 570 Hospital Beds, 560 Wheel-chairs, nezvimwe zvakakosha zvinoshandiswa muzvipatara.”
(I thank you for the gift of 570 hospital beds, 560 wheelchairs, and other essential items used in hospitals.)
He also made sure to shine a light on one famous giver in the congregation, giving a special nod to a well-known member for his generosity.
“I recognise in particular, your Elder, Madzibaba Wicknell Chivhayo for his philanthropic work and generous giving to this Church and the community at large.”
Ending on a high note, the President reminded the church that the “Government of ZANU PF” will always protect the right to worship, as he made his way out to chants of “Halleluyah.”
As the congregation heads home, one thing is clear, in Highfields, the President’s Saturday outing was less about official policy and more about faith, fellowship and a little good-natured political spirit. God bless Zimbabwe.
