Andby Makururu blasts local authorities

Archbishop Andby Makururu, leader of the Johanne the Fifth of Africa Church, has criticized local authorities for frustrating efforts to acquire land for church construction, citing bureaucracy and corruption as major obstacles.

In an interview on Thursday, Makururu called on the government to closely monitor local councils, warning that their actions—and inaction—were damaging the image of the Zanu-PF-led administration.
"The government has given us the green light to acquire land for our churches, but we are facing serious challenges because of the councils," he said.
"We are being frustrated by local authorities in our efforts to secure land. It's difficult to work with these councils. They need to be investigated."

The church leader warned that council roadblocks posed a potential threat to government stability, urging authorities to prioritize land allocation to churches that are transparent, accountable, patriotic, and open to oversight.
"We are not saying the government should give land to every church, but those that are accountable should be rewarded first," he added.

Makururu also alleged that some councils were colluding with land barons, frustrating both residents and church leaders seeking land.

His remarks come as the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works partnered with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to form a taskforce investigating corruption and maladministration in councils.

The Harare City Council has been at the center of numerous land-related corruption allegations, though other councils have also been accused of impeding access to land. ZACC has indicated that several arrests are expected in Harare in connection with illegal land dealings.