Tinotenda Hove- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has again come under scrutiny after using a church event to promote his administration’s governance agenda, with critics arguing that repeated calls for peace and national development have done little to address Zimbabwe’s deepening economic and social problems.

Speaking while commissioning the AFM in Zimbabwe Vineyard Assembly church building in Norton on Thursday, Mnangagwa urged churches to play a greater role in advancing his vision for the country.

He said churches should champion “peace, unity and hard work” as the foundation for sustainable national development.

The President also used the occasion to defend his Government’s position on religious freedoms, insisting that Zimbabwe remains committed to protecting the rights of citizens to practise their faith without interference.
Mnangagwa declared that his administration remains committed to safeguarding “freedom of worship”, adding that Zimbabweans should continue to practise their faith freely.

However, his remarks are likely to fuel fresh debate among critics who argue that public appearances at religious gatherings are increasingly being used to reinforce political messaging while many Zimbabweans continue to grapple with economic hardships, unemployment and deteriorating public services.