HARARE – Mnangagwa’s ‘Divine Strategy’: Prayer Rally at State House Draws Criticism as Misplaced Focus
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s decision to host a prayer session with members of the Johane Masowe weChishanu church at State House has ignited heated debate, with critics describing the move as a distraction from Zimbabwe’s deepening socio-economic crisis.
The gathering, revealed on social media by user Snowball Tongogara, showed Mnangagwa praying alongside thousands of congregants. Tongogara quoted the President expressing gratitude for the turnout, calling it a moment to “share ideas and pray for Zimbabwe,” while praising government efforts to uphold constitutional guarantees of religious freedom.
Some voices welcomed the initiative. Supporter C.H. Mukungunu defended Mnangagwa’s approach, arguing that his political survival is rooted in spiritual engagement: “Have you noticed that H.E. President @edmnangagwa is always winning against all odds? The secret is simple – he constantly engages with the church and puts God first.”
But critics say the optics of the event expose a troubling misalignment of priorities. Social media user Truthofthematter dismissed the prayer session as “misplaced focus,” pointing out that the country is reeling under inflation, rising unemployment, and collapsing public services:
“At a time when the economy is collapsing, the President is choosing to host a prayer session with 5,000 church members instead of convening the brightest minds to map a way forward.”
The user further argued that while faith and unity have their place, they cannot substitute policy and governance:
“Other nations in crisis call in economists, industrialists, scientists, and engineers to design recovery blueprints. Here, we are watching resources being poured into spectacles that do nothing to address bread-and-butter issues.”
The critique concluded with a biting rebuke:
“It reflects a leadership more concerned with optics and political allegiance than with problem-solving. What Zimbabwe needs is a national think tank of credible experts to craft a survival and revival strategy – not another round of ‘nguwo chena’ pageantry.”
Mnangagwa’s prayer session comes amid rising intra-party tensions within ZANU–PF and growing public frustration over worsening economic hardships, fuelling questions about whether symbolism is being prioritised over substance in State House decision-making.
