By Religious Reporter-Self-styled prophet and United Families International Church (UFIC) leader Emmanuel Makandiwa has waded into politics, calling on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to allow the safe return of former members of the Zanu PF faction, G40, who were exiled following the 2017 coup that ousted President Robert Mugabe.
Notable G40 figures who fled the country include former cabinet ministers Saviour Kasukuwere, Walter Mzembi, Jonathan Moyo, Patrick Zhuwao, and Mandiitawepi Chimene.
Many of them remain in self-imposed exile, fearing persecution from Mnangagwa’s government.
The November 2017 coup, orchestrated by the military under the leadership of then-Vice President Mnangagwa and General Constantino Chiwenga, ended Mugabe’s 37-year rule.
The coup, officially dubbed “Operation Restore Legacy,” was framed as a move to remove so-called criminals around Mugabe, a reference to the G40 faction, which was aligned with the former First Lady, Grace Mugabe, and sought to prevent Mnangagwa from succeeding Mugabe.
As tanks rolled into Harare, Mugabe was placed under house arrest, and key G40 figures either went into hiding or fled the country.
Since then, the Mnangagwa administration has pursued G40 members, accusing them of corruption and political subversion.
Those who stayed, such as Ignatius Chombo, have faced arrest, while those in exile, including Moyo and Kasukuwere, have been vocal critics of Mnangagwa’s government.
During a recent sermon at his Chitungwiza basilica, Makandiwa said the remaining G40 members should be allowed to return, arguing that they no longer hold power and pose no threat. He was quoted by NewZimbabwe.com as saying:
“I have so much respect for Walter Mzembi. It is unfortunate that they are in a foreign land as we speak. You look at Walter Mzembi—he is harmless. He is pure.
If they can allow them back into their country, it will be a blessing for your nation. There is nothing wrong with that. No one is powerful besides the power that you give them.”
Mzembi was a regular attendee of Makandiwa’s church before his exile, raising speculation that Makandiwa’s appeal may be an attempt to assist a prominent former church member.
Makandiwa also claimed that he had forewarned Mugabe of his impending removal and Mnangagwa’s rise to power.
Additionally, he urged Zimbabweans who have emigrated due to economic hardship to return home, stating:
“Zimbabwe is full of blessings. Bring your children who are in the diaspora. They are blessings that have left.”
Makandiwa is one of Zimbabwe’s most influential church leaders and has long-standing ties to ZANU PF.
His proximity to power has benefited him economically, as he has received state backing for various business ventures.
In 2023, he invited President Mnangagwa to his church and publicly endorsed him, praising his infrastructure development efforts.
His latest comments have sparked debate, with critics arguing that his intervention could be part of a broader effort to rehabilitate the image of exiled G40 figures or further align himself with the ruling elite.