“Keep Your Promises”: Chivhayo’s Trusted Lieutenant Madzibaba Moses Cautions Mnangagwa and Zanu PF at Gwanzura Shrine Gathering
HARARE — In a dramatic address delivered directly before senior political figures at the Gwanzura Shrine in Highfield, prominent Johane Masowe eChishanu leader Madzibaba Moses Gwasarira issued a bold warning to President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the ruling Zanu PF party against making unfulfilled promises to the apostolic community.
The high-profile gathering, attended by thousands of white-garmented *Vapostori* congregants, served as a stark reminder of the delicate political balance between religious movements and the state.
Addressing President Mnangagwa, Madzibaba Moses urged the Head of State to rein in party officials and government representatives who routinely offer sweeping commitments to church members during campaign cycles, only to disappear once political support is secured.
Gwasarira cautioned that the strategy of securing religious allegiances through empty pledges poses a direct threat to the party’s grassroots backing within the apostolic movement.
“I urge you, President Mnangagwa, to instruct government officials and Zanu PF members not to make false promises to members of the Johane Masowe eChishanu church,” Madzibaba Moses declared during his address. “Continuing down this path risks alienating the very congregants who have consistently stood with the ruling establishment.”
The cleric’s remarks highlighted growing frustration among rank-and-file church members over unfulfilled pledges involving land allocations, residential stands, agricultural inputs, and community development projects.
In sharp contrast to his critique of government bureaucrats, Madzibaba Moses publicly praised controversial businessman and political patron Wicknell Chivayo. Gwasarira commended Chivayo for maintaining a reputation of honoring his commitments to religious leaders and congregants through direct material support, including financial donations and vehicles.
“Unlike many politicians who offer rhetoric, Wicknell Chivayo has consistently delivered on his promises to the church,” Gwasarira noted, framing private patronage as a benchmark for political accountability.
The apostolic sects (*Mapostori*) represent one of Zimbabwe’s largest and most organized voting blocs. For decades, political parties—particularly Zanu PF—have relied heavily on church leaders to mobilize millions of followers during national elections.
However, Gwasarira’s candid intervention at the Highfield shrine signals a shift in the dynamic, showing that church leadership is increasingly willing to leverage its political weight to demand tangible deliverables.
By framing political loyalty around accountability, Madzibaba Moses delivered an unmistakable message from the altar: the support of the *Vapostori* can no longer be taken for granted based solely on political promises.
