HARARE – The Seventh-Day Adventist Church has publicly reaffirmed its apolitical stance following a political outburst by Sports Minister Anselem Sanyatwe at a recent evangelistic campaign in Nyanga, Manicaland Province. The minister has since apologised to the church leadership for his controversial remarks.
Sanyatwe, who was attending the event alongside his wife Chido and businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei and his wife Sandra, sparked public outrage when he declared that Zanu PF would rule “until donkeys grow horns” — a metaphor suggesting the party would govern forever.
The event, which was part of a religious outreach programme in Nyanga North, was hosted by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, whose extensive national presence includes thousands of congregants across Mashonaland, Manicaland, and parts of the Midlands.
In an official statement issued on 27 June by Zibusiso Trust Ndlovu, Executive Secretary of the Zimbabwe East Union Conference (ZEUC) — the regional arm of the global Adventist Church — the church distanced itself from the minister’s remarks and emphasised its longstanding prohibition against using the pulpit for political purposes.
“Any partisan political remarks made were not anticipated, were not authorised by the church leadership, and do not reflect the position of the Church,” wrote Ndlovu.
“The matter was immediately brought to the attention of the speaker, who graciously acknowledged the concern and extended an apology to church leadership on the same day.”
Ndlovu cited the Seventh-Day Adventist Church Manual, which expressly states that “the pulpit must be reserved for the preaching of the truths of the Divine Word… not personal views and opinions.”
He reaffirmed that the Church’s mission is spiritual, not political, adding:
“The pulpit must never be used as a platform for political advocacy, endorsements, or commentary. This standard is non-negotiable and applies across all church-organised events and activities.”
The strong-worded rebuke came after widespread public and internal concern among Adventist members, some of whom viewed the incident as a breach of the Church’s values and neutrality. While the Church acknowledges the presence of public officials at its events as a gesture of courtesy, Ndlovu made it clear that such invitations must not be abused.
“Our allegiance is to Christ. As Scripture reminds us: ‘My kingdom is not of this world’ – John 18:36.”
The church has urged its members to follow internal procedures laid out in the Bible and the Church Manual when seeking redress or expressing concerns.
The SDA Church’s response is likely to resonate within both religious and political circles, as it asserts its independence amid growing concerns over the politicisation of religious spaces in Zimbabwe.
