A storm has erupted in Nyanga after Sports Minister Anselem Sanyatwe made shocking political remarks during a Seventh-Day Adventist Church event. Standing in a holy place meant for prayer and reflection, Sanyatwe proudly declared that ZANU PF would rule Zimbabwe until donkeys grow horns. What was meant to be a peaceful church gathering quickly became a flashpoint of political arrogance and disrespect.
The event, held in Nyanga North, was attended by Sanyatwe’s wife Chido and well-known businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei with his wife Sandra. Tagwirei, who is widely known for his financial support of ZANU PF, had made donations to the evangelistic campaign being hosted by the church. But instead of letting the occasion remain spiritual and uplifting, Sanyatwe took it as a chance to broadcast partisan propaganda to churchgoers who had not come to hear about politics.
His remarks sparked immediate outrage. Church members were left confused and angry. Many felt that a sacred space had been violated. It is not every day that a minister of government walks into a house of worship and delivers a political sermon disguised as a guest appearance. The backlash was so strong that Sanyatwe was forced to apologise the very same day after the church leadership made it clear that his behaviour was completely unacceptable.
Zibusiso Trust Ndlovu, the executive secretary of the Zimbabwe East Union Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, issued a formal letter explaining the church’s position. The letter made it clear that the church is completely apolitical. It does not allow politicians to use its platform to promote their parties or policies. That rule, according to the church, is non-negotiable. No matter who the guest is or how powerful they may be, they are not allowed to hijack the pulpit for political purposes.
Ndlovu explained that while the church welcomes public officials as visitors, it does not give them the authority to speak on behalf of the church or to share political messages. Sanyatwe’s speech had not been cleared or endorsed by anyone. Once he made the statement, the church leadership immediately responded and told him his comments were inappropriate. His apology came only after this strong response from church elders.
But the apology is not enough. What happened in Nyanga is part of a dangerous pattern in Zimbabwe. ZANU PF leaders are trying to turn every platform into a stage for propaganda. They go into schools and preach party loyalty. They invade funerals and weddings with campaign speeches. And now, they are walking into churches and doing the same. This is spiritual abuse. This is political violence without guns. It is disrespectful and manipulative.
People go to church to seek God, not ZANU PF. They go for comfort, not campaigns. They go for truth, not twisted speeches about ruling forever. The church has every right to protect its sacred space from political contamination. When Sanyatwe said ZANU PF would rule until donkeys grow horns, he was not just being arrogant. He was mocking the people. He was mocking democracy. And he was mocking the God whose house he stood in.
The Seventh-Day Adventist Church reminded everyone of John 18 verse 36 — “My kingdom is not of this world.” That is a clear warning to politicians. Stay out of the church. Respect the boundary between state and spirit. Zimbabweans are watching. They are not as blind or as quiet as ZANU PF thinks. This is no longer just about one speech in Nyanga. It is about power being abused everywhere.
Let the church be the church. Let the people worship in peace. And let this be the last time ZANU PF tries to campaign from a pulpit.
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