By Staff Reporter/Agencies
Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Zimbabwe president Bishop Amon Madawo publicly declared his allegiance to the ruling party, stating he is “ZANU PF to the core.”context of the Declaration
Bishop Madawo made the statements on Thursday, August 6, 2026, during the official opening and commissioning of the AFM Vineyard Assembly church building in Norton.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa attended the event as the guest of honour.
Speaking after the celebrations, Madawo explicitly questioned those who oppose the ruling party, saying:
“I’m a ZANU PF member. If you’re not a ZANU PF then what are you?… This country is in the hands of ZANU PF and I am a ZANU PF (member).”
The declaration follows significant state and ruling party financial backing aimed at completing the church project, which had stalled since 2009.
- Project Funding: President Mnangagwa donated US$300,400 to help complete the building construction.
- Institutional Transport: The President handed over a 30-seater bus and utility vehicles for church ministry use.
- Personal Gifts: In June 2026, President Mnangagwa gifted Madawo a personal Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series ZX.
- Youth Department: ZANU PF Central Committee member Kudakwashe Tagwirei also made a US$1 million donation to the AFM youth department in April 2026.
During his address, Madawo prayed for President Mnangagwa’s continued tenure, backing calls for an extended rule. This endorsement closely follows constitutional changes extending the presidential term.
The public alignment has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures, such as Jacob Ngarivhume, as well as civil society groups. Critics view the move as part of a broader strategy by ZANU PF to use influential religious organisations to gain political legitimacy, raising deep concerns over the political neutrality of local church leaders.
