Masvingo, Zimbabwe – April 20, 2025
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to make a high-stakes appearance today at the Zion Christian Church (ZCC)’s Easter Conference at Mbungo in Masvingo, in what observers say is a calculated move to reclaim his waning popularity following an internal power shift in January that saw Vice President Constantino Chiwenga rise in political favor.
The sprawling ZCC compound has transformed into a sea of green, white, and navy blue as tens of thousands of congregants gathered under overcast skies. The images show a densely packed crowd of worshippers—many of them clad in signature ZCC uniforms—seated in rows of black chairs, some clasping hymn books and wrapped in winter coats against the cold. A mix of solemnity and anticipation is evident in their faces.
One image captures the towering ZCC cathedral, its iconic green rooftop rising against a bright sky—a stark contrast to the tension lingering in the national political climate. Uniformed church stewards and security personnel are strategically placed across the grounds, while members of the church hierarchy have taken up front-row positions awaiting the President’s arrival.
Mnangagwa’s attendance at the Easter gathering is being interpreted by analysts as a strategic attempt to leverage the church’s massive following to revive his grassroots support base. Since the start of 2025, Mnangagwa has seen his authority tested within ZANU-PF, with Chiwenga reportedly consolidating control over key military and party structures.
“This is not just a religious appearance. It’s a political statement,” said a political commentator in Harare. “Mnangagwa knows the ZCC platform reaches millions. If he can reassert moral leadership here, he might stall Chiwenga’s momentum—at least in the public imagination.”
The ZCC, one of Zimbabwe’s most influential religious institutions, has historically offered sitting leaders a stage for both spiritual reflection and subtle campaigning. Today’s event, however, carries greater urgency for Mnangagwa, whose presidency is now perceived as fragile amid mounting economic dissatisfaction, factional tensions, and renewed scrutiny of his leadership style.
Whether Mnangagwa can reignite the political fervor that once carried him to power remains to be seen. But for now, all eyes are on Mbungo, where faith and politics converge in dramatic fashion.
More updates to follow as the story develops.