Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Zimbabwe leader Amon Madawo has openly pledged loyalty to ZANU PF, sparking renewed debate over the political impartiality of church figures.
Madawo made the declaration on Thursday during the commissioning of the AFM Vineyard Assembly church building in Norton, where he applauded President Emmerson Mnangagwa for contributing financially to the project.
This latest gesture comes after businessman and ZANU PF Central Committee member Kudakwashe Tagwirei donated US$1 million to the church’s youth ministry in April.
Speaking after the event, Madawo was forthright about his political stance, dismissing critics of the ruling party.
“I’m a ZANU PF member. If you’re not a ZANU PF then what are you? Musi uno ndaiparidza kune imwe church ndikati munyika muno kana ukati pasi na ED unenge uchiti pamberi nani?
“Kana uchiti pasi ne ZANU PF ukuti pamberi nani? This country is in the hands of ZANU PF and I am a ZANU PF (member),” said Madawo.
Madawo heads one of the two major AFM factions, following a protracted leadership dispute with rival Cossam Chiyangwa.
He also offered prayers for Mnangagwa’s continued leadership; “As AFM, we are very grateful to His Excellency for the heart that he has…. We are very grateful for his support of the church. May God keep him in office and fulfil his vision and aspirations.”
His remarks come shortly after Mnangagwa signed into law the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, which extends his term from 2028 to 2030.
The amendment has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties, legal experts, and civil society groups. Nonetheless, some ZANU PF members and supporters have already begun advocating for Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond 2030, despite the constitutional two-term limit.
