Mnangagwa orders council to hand over 'prayer land' to Makururu
Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa has directed local councils to formalize land ownership for the Johane The Fifth of Africa International Church. The move follows the President's public support for the church leader, Archbishop Andby Commander Makururu.
Why it matters
The directive underscores the intersection of religious influence and political patronage in Zimbabwean governance.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has directed local councils to regularise prayer sites for Johane The Fifth of Africa International Church, confirming that all documentation for the church's Mvuma shrine is now in order.
The directive follows Mnangagwa's presentation of a Land Cruiser and other resources to Archbishop Andby Commander Makururu at State House last Friday, with the President commending the church leader for his prayers for peace in Zimbabwe.
On Saturday, Mnangagwa was the guest of honour at the church's annual convention in Mvuma, Midlands Province, where he was represented by Zanu PF national chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.
Addressing congregants, Mnangagwa highlighted the church's rapid expansion.
"I am pleased to note that this church is growing rapidly with its wings spreading within Africa and beyond the continent," he said.
"There are functional branches in Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Mozambique, the United Kingdom and the United States of America," he added.
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