By A Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s latest appearance at a major church gathering has reignited debate over the growing relationship between the State and religious institutions, with critics questioning whether political leaders are increasingly using churches to bolster their public image while Zimbabweans continue to endure economic hardship.

Although the President did not attend the African Apostolic Church’s annual conference in person, his speech was delivered by Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training Minister Tinomuda Machakaire. Mashonaland East Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Itayi Ndudzo also attended the event.

In his message, Mnangagwa expressed regret over missing the conference, saying, “It was going to be a pleasure to be joining you at this gathering. I wanted to be with you on your special day, but due to other commitments, I could not be with you.”

He added, “But I will be with you at some of your events in the future.”

The President used the occasion to highlight his personal relationship with the church’s late founder, Archbishop Paul Mwazha, and pledged to maintain close ties with the denomination.

“I shared cordial relations with Archbishop Paul Mwazha. We were close. He was my friend. So, it is my wish for that relationship to continue, just as it was when Mutumwa Paul Mwazha was alive,” he said.

He went further, telling church leaders, “My wish is that if this church faces any challenge, you must not hesitate to tell me. You must always have love, compassion and be forgiving.”

Mnangagwa also urged the church to remain united and continue pursuing the vision of its late founder.
“Mutumwa Paul Mwazha was a man who valued unity. He was a focused man. Therefore, I want this church to be united. Work hard and ensure the church grows. This was the late Archbishop Mwazha’s dream,” he said.

The President praised the church for promoting discipline among young people, particularly in discouraging drug and substance abuse.

“We are aware that this church instils discipline in its congregants, and this is why youths in particular from this church are always desisting from or shunning drug and substance abuse, and I want to applaud them for that,” he said.

However, it was his announcement of a US$50,000 donation to the church that is likely to attract the most public attention.

“This is towards advancing the works of the church,” Mnangagwa said.
Critics argue that such high-profile donations to religious organisations raise legitimate questions about the relationship between politics and the church, particularly at a time when many public hospitals lack essential medicines, schools face chronic shortages of resources, and millions of Zimbabweans continue to struggle with the rising cost of living. They contend that while churches play an important social role, public displays of financial support by political leaders often fuel perceptions that religious platforms are being drawn into partisan politics.

Speaking at the same gathering, Bishop Masimba Mwazha reaffirmed the church’s cooperation with the Government.
“We will continue working closely with the Government,” he said, adding that both shared “a common vision of serving and uplifting communities.”

The event has once again sparked discussion over whether the increasing closeness between political leaders and influential churches strengthens national development or risks undermining the independence of religious institutions by blurring the line between faith and politics.