Bulawayo – “Zimbabwe Can Only Be Prayed For by Its Captors”: Mnangagwa Declares Himself Sovereign Over Nation’s Destiny
By Dorrothy Moyo | ZimEye | In a bold and polarizing declaration, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has proclaimed that only Zimbabwe’s “owners”—a term many interpret as its ruling elite—have the right to pray for the nation. The statement, made during a church gathering at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds, comes at a time when Mnangagwa has increasingly styled himself as a modern-day King Munhumutapa, ruling over a nation he views as his personal dominion.
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This symbolism extends beyond rhetoric. Mnangagwa has established the Mutapa Investment Fund, a state-controlled wealth fund headquartered in the former home of the late opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai. This audacious move has been widely seen as a deliberate act of mockery toward Tsvangirai’s legacy, serving as yet another declaration of Mnangagwa’s complete dominance over Zimbabwe’s political and historical narrative.
By intertwining divine imagery with sovereign authority, Mnangagwa has rebranded himself as both the spiritual and political custodian of Zimbabwe. But in doing so, he has drawn sharp criticism from those who see his statements as a chilling assertion that the nation remains in the grip of its captors, who dictate its fate, its prayers, and even the legacy of its fallen leaders.
Mnangagwa stirred controversy yesterday during a church service at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds, declaring that only the “owners” of Zimbabwe are permitted to pray for the country. The remarks came after Prophet Andrew Wutaunashe anointed Mnangagwa as the nation’s president until 2030, proclaiming a divine endorsement of his leadership.
“You will be performing signs and wonders till 2030!” Wutaunashe declared, as Mnangagwa stood alongside his deputy, Kembo Mohadi. Notably absent from the gathering was Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, fueling speculation about shifts within Zimbabwe’s power structure. The prominent presence of ZANU-PF chairwoman Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri beside Mnangagwa suggested she may be positioned as Chiwenga’s replacement amid growing calls within the military deep state for Mnangagwa to hand over power to Chiwenga.
Mnangagwa’s Vision for the Future
Following Wutaunashe’s prophetic blessing, Mnangagwa addressed the congregation, proclaiming a brighter future for Zimbabwe underpinned by divine guidance and national development.
“As we look to the future, our nation is emboldened by the goodness of Almighty God that saw us liberate ourselves from colonial bondage and repossess the land stolen from our forefathers,” Mnangagwa said. “Today, we stand proud and tall as a truly free and independent people, enjoying freedom of worship and advancing Godly values alongside a people-centred national development agenda.”
He urged citizens to focus on the country’s Vision 2030 goals, citing biblical scripture to inspire productivity and responsibility. “Genesis Chapter 1, verse 28 instructs us to be fruitful and subdue the earth,” Mnangagwa said, reinforcing the ZANU-PF national philosophy: “Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatirwa nevene vayo” (“A country is built, ruled, and prayed for by its owners”).
Political Intrigue Deepens
The absence of Vice President Chiwenga and the elevated profile of Muchinguri-Kashiri at the event adds fuel to ongoing speculation about internal power struggles within ZANU-PF and the military. Reports suggest a faction within the military is pressuring Mnangagwa to cede power to Chiwenga, his former ally in the 2017 coup that ousted Robert Mugabe.
The symbolic anointing of Mnangagwa until 2030 and the exclusion of Chiwenga at such a high-profile religious event is seen by analysts as a deliberate move to consolidate power and assert Mnangagwa’s dominance over party and state structures.
Public and Political Reactions
Mnangagwa’s remarks about the “owners” of Zimbabwe have drawn criticism, with opposition leaders and civil society groups questioning the exclusionary undertones of the statement. Critics argue the rhetoric could alienate sections of the population and deepen divisions in an already polarized nation.
Meanwhile, the prophetic endorsement by Wutaunashe has been met with mixed reactions. Supporters within ZANU-PF hailed it as a sign of divine favor, while skeptics dismissed it as an attempt to use religion to cement political authority.
The Road Ahead
As the political landscape evolves, the focus remains on whether Mnangagwa can maintain unity within ZANU-PF and fend off mounting pressure from rival factions. With Vision 2030 at the center of his rhetoric, Mnangagwa is attempting to project stability and progress amid growing calls for change both within and outside his party.
This unfolding drama is sure to dominate Zimbabwean politics in the months ahead. Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops.