AFM President declares Zanu-PF allegiance

Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Zimbabwe president Amon Madawo has publicly declared his allegiance to the ruling ZANU PF party, reigniting debate over the political neutrality of religious leaders and the growing intersection between church and politics.

Madawo made the remarks on Thursday during celebrations marking the completion of the AFM Vineyard Assembly church building in Norton, where he also expressed gratitude to President Emmerson Mnangagwa for financially supporting the project.

The donation comes months after ZANU PF Central Committee member and businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei donated US$1 million to the church's youth department in April.

Addressing congregants after the celebrations, Madawo openly identified himself as a member of the ruling party and questioned those who oppose it.

"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)," Madawo said.

Madawo heads one of the two main factions of the AFM in Zimbabwe following a longstanding leadership dispute that split the church, with the rival faction being led by Cossam Chiyangwa.

He also offered prayers for President Mnangagwa, expressing appreciation for the Head of State's support for the church and praying for the success of his 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," he said.

Madawo's remarks come shortly after President Mnangagwa signed the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act into law, extending the current presidential and parliamentary terms from 2028 to 2030.

The constitutional amendment has been strongly criticised by opposition parties, constitutional lawyers and civil society organisations, which argue that the changes undermine democratic principles and should have been subjected to a national referendum.

At the same time, sections of the ruling party have intensified calls for Mnangagwa to remain in office beyond 2030, despite the Constitution's two-term limit for presidents, a proposal that has further fuelled political debate over succession and constitutional governance.

Madawo's public endorsement of ZANU PF and his prayers for Mnangagwa's continued tenure are likely to add to ongoing discussions about the role of religious leaders in partisan politics and whether churches should maintain political neutrality while serving increasingly diverse congregations.