I have been following with keen interest the recent baby cries of the Second Republic critics relating to its creation of various affiliate organizations the likes of Forever Associates Zimbabwe Trust, Heritage Trust, Teachers for ED, among many other organisations.
I will however zero in on one of the affiliate organisations that have been widely criticised by many- Vapositori for Economic Development (VED).
The vapositori are a religious movement which comprises of numerous sects which include the Paul Mwazha, Johanne Marange, Johanne Masowe eChishanu, Johanne the Fifth among other sects. All these sects have clearly thrown their support behind His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa but with widespread criticism from the public domain. Prophets and religious leaders alike have gathered congregates at various places around the country to clearly show their allegiance to ZANU PF. The launch of the Vapositori for ED at national level in Chitungwiza at Velvet sect shook the social media streets by storm.
Thousands gathered at Velvet to witness this grand occasion where Madzibaba Owen Chingondi arrived in a helicopter inscribed on its side, ‘Chitungwiza Velvet Sect-Johanne Masowe Chishanu while other Harare based prophets arrived on the back of horses of the mounted police unit. Madzibaba Mozi of the Gwanzura Sect arrived in his lavish yellow Hummer accompanied by a convoy of about thirty top of the range SUVs. The vapositori have always been viewed as a very humble and not so stylish sect a characteristic that is slowly changing as many of the vapositori now drive top of the range vehicles.
Talk of the recent purchase of a Rolls-Royce SUV by Madzibaba Wicknell Chivayo and the pair of 2023 sport Toyota SUVs he bought for his Marondera Yellow sect leader Madzibaba Lawrence Katsiru and his wife.
This irked many however since the former is allegedly accused of squandering money of a Gwanda solar project. Anyway, this piece aint about all these lavish things but about the position of the vapositori church in the politics of the day.
Even in Israel the church was the founder of the monarchy. Politics and religion are intertwined and cannot be separated whatsoever. After the failure of the tribal confederacy the office of the prophet Samuel after receiving affirmation from the Most High anointed Saul as King over Israel.
The King always had prophets and priests at his court to put checks and balances to the monarchy. When Saul failed God through various vices like taking of the Amalekites cattle the prophetic office was readily available to garner for his replacement-David. Various prophets were involved in the politics of the day.
The likes of Samuel, Ahijah of Shiloh, Micaiah, Isaiah, Jeremiah among others. During the launch of the offensive of the liberation struggle it is African religious patrons who coordinated the Chimurenga. It was Mukwati, Mbuya Nehanda and Sekuru Kaguvi who cultivated a spirit of nationalism in the black majority to fight for their beloved country. Religion is an important determinant factor in politics the very reason why colonialism followed the cross.
Politics is born out of ideology and doctrines just like religion and the patrons of both whenever they accept anything they remain adamant. Whatever they do is sanctioned by norms and mores which make every process sacred.
All the activities are supported by a super natural being at the helm who communicates through men of God, the anointed ones either prophets or pastors. Even terrorism grew out of extremism in Muslim where the patrons are told that if they partake in suicide bombing they will be given seven virgins when they die.
They are promised that Allah will reward them for getting rid of the infidels. So absurd it may sound, but it is such fallacies and beliefs that have created such a terrible movement that has wrecked havoc and disturbed peace especially in the Arab world.
Apostolic sects have always bemoaned white colonial rule. During the course of the liberation struggle they fought colonial rule and and many of its leaders were incarcerated. These wounds will never disappear. What will make them be part and parcel of a western ideology supportive political movement? One of the founding fathers of the Johanne Masowe Echishanu sect Sixpence Shonhiwa was arrested and jailed in Marondera. There are legends that are preached to praise this religious leader and how he outsmarted the whites during his arrest. Samuel Mutendi of the ZCC christian faith was also arrested by the whites.
These religious outfits have listened to opposition leaders giving praise to the very same people whom they fought in the liberation war and vow their allegiance to ZANU PF to fight what they term ‘white sponsored’ parties. Madzibaba Owen Chingondi the national chair has pledged support for His Excellency and has promised the ZANU PF party a 2 million votes threshold.
Vapositori for Economic Development has a very huge following in Zimbabwe. The white garment churches have many followers than any other religious groupings and this validates Madzibaba Owen’s claims. Many of the Johanne Masowe prophets took part in the just ended primary elections, not as mere viewers but as candidates the likes of renowned Beitbridge prophet Madzibaba Tonderai who won as councillor candidate for a Beitbridge ward, Madzibaba Taurai Makumbirofa of Lot 2 sect Zvishavane who lost in the local authority elections, Lawrence Katsiru lost his bid to return to active politics by losing in the House of Assembly elections, here in Masvingo town in ward 9 Against Chiteme(Madzibaba Reginai) of the Johanne Masowe sect romped to victory as always. Madzibaba Reginai has set an example of the transformation of the sect from being some form of cult to a modern religious grouping.
His shrine situated after Masvingo Show ground has state of the art toilets and bathrooms with piped water and lighting. Although some elements in the sect especially a segment of the Johanne Masowe, Vedare raJakopo have criticised him however many prophets in the Midlands and Masvingo are following suit. The likes of popular Zvishavane prophet Trust Mutwawa aka Madzibaba Ebernage of the Jairos Jiri sect, Madzibaba Benjamin of the Bikita-Nyika sect, Madzibaba Tyrage of the Palm Tree Sect in Chiredzi, Madzibaba Benstage at Nemamwa ,Madzibaba Evynage at C Mine Mberengwa, Madzibaba Garai at Zimuto Camp and Madzibaba Benjy at Manyuchi deep down in Maranda just to mention a few.
Just think of it that the latter owns a new D4D Toyota double cab, a new Hino truck, a new land cruiser vehicle, two tractors and many other assets in his name. The Vapositori are transforming. Critics think the vapositori have jumped on the political train now unknown to them vapositori have always vowed to stand by the government in all its ups and downs.
This is not a thing of this era but it has always been the case even during the Mugabe era. The relationship of the Vapositori and ZANU PF date back to the liberation struggle and doubt if their relationship can wither any moment soon.
In sports, the scoring machine at Etihad was not given the chance by the hosts to hit the back of the net at the Santiago Bernabe’u. The EUFA Champions League semi final match ended one all with the talkative Manchester City supporters confident their team will beat Real Madrid all systems out in the return leg this week. Owen ‘Odzo’ and Paul Dhlamini who are part of the Blues’ fan base here in Neshuro celebrated this draw with great hopes for a win in the return fixture.
‘Nobody knows with soccer,’ Charles Mabika the veteran sports commentator would say. On a sad note, FC Wangu Mazodze the Masvingo rising football outfit is mourning the death of their fans after their bus veered off course and plunged into a stream on their way for a match in Rusitu a week ago. May the dear departed souls rest in peace and may this not kill the love for the sport. Ndaenda!!!
Chana CheMasvingo aka Johannes Mike Mupisa the Wordsmith
0775125488
johannesmikemupisa11@gmail.com
