CHURCH IS NOT A ZANU PF STAGE

A very big mistake happened in Nyanga, Manicaland, when Sports Minister Anselem Sanyatwe said shocking political words during a church event. He told people that ZANU PF will rule Zimbabwe forever, “until donkeys grow horns.” These words made many people angry and confused. Even church members felt hurt because they believed he disrespected the church.

Sanyatwe did not come alone. He came with his wife, Chido, and rich businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei and his wife, Sandra. The event was organised by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Nyanga North. Tagwirei even made donations during the evangelistic campaign. But what was supposed to be a peaceful spiritual event turned into a political scene. People did not expect politics to enter the church that day.

After many people spoke out, Sanyatwe apologised to the church. His apology came after the church leaders raised strong concerns. The Seventh-Day Adventist Church does not allow politics in its church activities. They want the church to be a safe place where everyone can worship without fear, no matter which party they support.

Zibusiso Trust Ndlovu, the executive secretary of the Zimbabwe East Union Conference of the SDA Church, wrote a letter on behalf of the church. In that letter, he said clearly that the church is apolitical. This means the church does not support politics inside its buildings or during its events. He said this rule is non-negotiable. That means nobody is allowed to break it, no matter who they are.

The letter also said that even though the church can welcome leaders to visit, it never gives them permission to use the pulpit for politics. What Sanyatwe did was not planned, and the church did not approve his words. The church leadership reacted very fast and told him he was wrong. He then apologised the same day because he knew he had crossed a line.

This whole thing shows that some government officials still do not respect the church. They want to use any place, even holy places, to push ZANU PF messages. This is very wrong. People go to church for worship, peace, and guidance. They do not go to listen to politics or party speeches. It is unfair for the government to force people to listen to propaganda inside a place meant for God.

The Adventist Church said again that its work is to preach the gospel, not politics. Their mission is to prepare people for the return of Jesus Christ, not to help ZANU PF stay in power. They also shared a Bible verse from John 18:36, which says, “My kingdom is not of this world.” This shows clearly that the church must focus on God’s work.

The church also told members to raise problems the right way, using Bible steps. This includes talking to someone privately first, then bringing others if the problem continues, and finally taking it to the church leaders.

This incident should warn all politicians. The church is not your stage. It belongs to God. If leaders keep doing this, soon there will be no safe space left in Zimbabwe. Everything will become a campaign rally. People are tired and waking up. Sanyatwe’s apology is not enough. We need this behaviour to stop. Let the church stay holy. Let people worship in peace. Let ZANU PF stop using every place to control people.