The Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church has confirmed that Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, Minister of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, issued an apology after delivering political remarks during a church service—statements that have triggered widespread backlash across Zimbabwe.
Sanyatwe, a former commander in the Zimbabwe National Army, told worshippers at an SDA church in Nyanga North that the ruling Zanu PF party would govern the nation “forever” and “until donkeys grow horns.”
He was attending the service with his wife, Chido, and businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei, who had reportedly contributed donations to the church as part of an evangelistic program.
His remarks, however, drew criticism for politicizing a religious space traditionally known for its nonpartisan stance.
SDA Church Says Minister Sanyatwe Apologized for Politicizing Pulpit
In a formal communication signed by Zibusiso Trust Ndlovu, executive secretary of the Zimbabwe East Union Conference (ZEUC), the SDA Church firmly disassociated itself from Sanyatwe’s comments, reiterating its longstanding policy of political neutrality.
According to the letter, while government representatives may attend church events as honored guests, they are not permitted to make political statements. Ndlovu emphasized that this policy is “non-negotiable.”
The church also confirmed that Sanyatwe was immediately informed that his remarks were inappropriate and that he subsequently apologized to church leadership on the same day.
The letter stated:
“Statements made during a recent evangelistic campaign at one of our local congregations have understandably raised concerns. While it is within our tradition to invite public figures to attend as a sign of respect (CM 126-127), the partisan political views expressed were not expected, were not approved by church leaders, and do not reflect the SDA Church’s position. The individual was promptly made aware of this, and he responded by extending an apology to the leadership the same day.”
The incident has reignited conversations around the role of politics in religious settings and reinforced the SDA Church’s commitment to keeping its services free from political influence.
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