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By A Correspondent Mutare – Critics have accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his ruling ZANU PF party of exploiting religion and community empowerment funds for political gain. At a Presidential Empowerment event in Mutare on Sunday, National Multi- Faith Economic Dialogue (NAMFED) chief convener Mr Obey Mapuranga declared, “We believe that the spirit of God has ordained President Mnangagwa’s leadership and we stand in support of his vision for economic development through NAMFED. As a faith community, we pledge to support the President during the upcoming elections and beyond.” Observers argue that such statements turn faith leaders into political mouthpieces, undermining the independence of religious institutions. The ceremony also involved the distribution of substantial funds to organisations aligned with ZANU PF. NAMFED, the Vapostori and VaZion for ED, and the Children of War Veterans each received US$50,000, while Cross-Border Traders for ED, Hairdressers for ED, Health Ambassadors for ED, Boys Dzamudhara, Vendors for ED, and Pastors for ED received US$20,000 each. Presidential Investment Advisor Dr Paul Tungwarara described the funds as “a revolving facility meant to benefit future recipients as well,” presenting the initiative as a tool for “unity and grassroots economic transformation.” Critics, however, contend the programme is primarily a mechanism to secure political loyalty ahead of elections rather than a genuine effort to empower communities. Human rights advocates warn that using religious endorsement and targeted funding to influence voters erodes democratic principles and entrenches patronage networks at the expense of impartial development.
