Tinotenda Hove – A fresh wave of criticism has erupted after ZANU PF online activist Mairosi Watungwa announced that Bishop Manhango of the Betsaida Apostolic Church had received a brand new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado from President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

The vehicle was reportedly handed over on Thursday in what supporters described as a gesture meant to strengthen churches and support the government’s Vision 2030 agenda.

However, critics say the donation reflects misplaced priorities at a time when ordinary Zimbabweans are battling deepening poverty, unemployment, collapsing public services and soaring living costs.

Announcing the development, Watungwa said:
“Bishop Manhango of the Betsaida Apostolic Church this afternoon officially collected his brand new Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, handed over by His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, in a powerful gesture aimed at strengthening and uplifting churches in Zimbabwe towards the achievement of Vision 2030.”

The post was accompanied by the slogan “#LeavingNoOneBehind”.
The development has already triggered debate on social media, with some questioning why luxury vehicles continue to be distributed to politically connected religious figures while hospitals lack basic medicines and many civil servants struggle to survive on low wages.
Others accused the ruling party of using gifts and state resources to secure political influence within churches ahead of future elections.

Critics argue that while millions of Zimbabweans are facing economic hardship, the government appears more focused on rewarding loyalists and cultivating alliances with influential church leaders than addressing bread-and-butter issues affecting citizens.

The latest vehicle handover also adds to growing concerns over the increasingly close relationship between some religious leaders and political elites, with observers warning that churches risk being turned into extensions of ruling party propaganda structures.