News / National
Sanyatwe apologises to the Seventh-Day Adventist
4 hrs ago | Views
The Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church has confirmed that Sports Minister Anselem Sanyatwe has apologised for making politically charged remarks during a recent religious event in Nyanga, Manicaland, where he declared that Zanu-PF would rule "until donkeys grow horns" - a statement that sparked public outrage and backlash from church members and the wider public.
Sanyatwe made the comments while accompanying his wife, Chido Sanyatwe, and prominent businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei and his wife Sandra during an evangelistic campaign hosted by the church in Nyanga North, where Tagwirei had made donations.
In a formal statement dated 27 June 2025, Zibusiso Trust Ndlovu, Executive Secretary of the Zimbabwe East Union Conference (ZEUC) - a division of the SDA Church covering Mashonaland, Manicaland, and parts of Midlands - reaffirmed the church's strict apolitical stance and distanced the organisation from the remarks made by Minister Sanyatwe.
"While it is consistent with our practice to invite public officials to our events as a gesture of courtesy and mutual respect, any partisan political remarks made were not anticipated, were not authorised by the church leadership, and do not reflect the position of the Church," wrote Ndlovu.
"The matter was immediately brought to the attention of the speaker, who graciously acknowledged the concern and extended an apology to church leadership on the same day."
Ndlovu emphasised that the SDA Church holds a "non-negotiable" position that the pulpit must never be used for political advocacy, endorsements, or commentary. He cited the Church Manual, which states that only "the preaching of the truths of the Divine Word and the presentation of denominational plans and policies" are permitted in the pulpit.
"Our divine mandate is to proclaim the everlasting gospel, to prepare the world for Christ's imminent return, and to uplift the values of the Kingdom of God. Our allegiance is to Christ," Ndlovu stated.
Quoting John 18:36 - "My kingdom is not of this world" - Ndlovu urged SDA leaders, members, and invited guests to uphold the sanctity and neutrality of church platforms.
The SDA Church's rare public rebuke of a high-ranking government official has drawn praise from many quarters for reaffirming its independence and religious integrity.
The letter also urged members to use biblical and church-approved mechanisms, as outlined in Matthew 18:15-17 and the Church Manual, to raise grievances.
Minister Sanyatwe's remarks were widely seen as inappropriate for a religious platform and reignited concerns about the politicisation of churches in Zimbabwe, particularly by ruling party elites during public or philanthropic events.
Sanyatwe made the comments while accompanying his wife, Chido Sanyatwe, and prominent businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei and his wife Sandra during an evangelistic campaign hosted by the church in Nyanga North, where Tagwirei had made donations.
In a formal statement dated 27 June 2025, Zibusiso Trust Ndlovu, Executive Secretary of the Zimbabwe East Union Conference (ZEUC) - a division of the SDA Church covering Mashonaland, Manicaland, and parts of Midlands - reaffirmed the church's strict apolitical stance and distanced the organisation from the remarks made by Minister Sanyatwe.
"While it is consistent with our practice to invite public officials to our events as a gesture of courtesy and mutual respect, any partisan political remarks made were not anticipated, were not authorised by the church leadership, and do not reflect the position of the Church," wrote Ndlovu.
"The matter was immediately brought to the attention of the speaker, who graciously acknowledged the concern and extended an apology to church leadership on the same day."
Ndlovu emphasised that the SDA Church holds a "non-negotiable" position that the pulpit must never be used for political advocacy, endorsements, or commentary. He cited the Church Manual, which states that only "the preaching of the truths of the Divine Word and the presentation of denominational plans and policies" are permitted in the pulpit.
"Our divine mandate is to proclaim the everlasting gospel, to prepare the world for Christ's imminent return, and to uplift the values of the Kingdom of God. Our allegiance is to Christ," Ndlovu stated.
Quoting John 18:36 - "My kingdom is not of this world" - Ndlovu urged SDA leaders, members, and invited guests to uphold the sanctity and neutrality of church platforms.
The SDA Church's rare public rebuke of a high-ranking government official has drawn praise from many quarters for reaffirming its independence and religious integrity.
The letter also urged members to use biblical and church-approved mechanisms, as outlined in Matthew 18:15-17 and the Church Manual, to raise grievances.
Minister Sanyatwe's remarks were widely seen as inappropriate for a religious platform and reignited concerns about the politicisation of churches in Zimbabwe, particularly by ruling party elites during public or philanthropic events.
Source - businessdaily.co.zw
