Political Correspondent
Harare – A fiery political storm has erupted after former Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) commander Anselem Sanyatwe declared from a church pulpit that the ruling Zanu PF party would govern Zimbabwe “forever,” drawing sharp condemnation from opposition figures and raising fresh concerns about military interference in politics.

Controversial Pulpit Declaration

Sanyatwe, now Minister of Sports, made the remarks while accompanying his wife, Nyanga North MP Chido Sanyatwe, at a Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) church service in Nyanga over the weekend.

The event, which included a donation from businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei’s Bridging Gaps Foundation, took a political turn when Sanyatwe proclaimed:

“Zanu PF ichatonga kusvika madhongi amera nyanga (Zanu PF will rule until donkeys grow horns). Whether you like it or not, we will rule over you.”

The statement, seen as a direct challenge to Zimbabwe’s democratic principles, has drawn fierce backlash.

Opposition Fury

Prominent lawyer and opposition ally Thabani Mpofu slammed the remarks, questioning their appropriateness in a religious setting:

“How does a Zanu PF politician declare during a church service that his party will rule Zimbabwe forever? The SDA church has been politicized, and a line has been crossed. We must respond decisively to this nonsense.”

Former Binga North MP Prince Dubeko Sibanda accused Sanyatwe of “defiling the church” and compromising its neutrality.

Military-Politics Nexus Under Scrutiny

Sanyatwe’s comments have reignited debates about the military’s role in Zimbabwean politics. A former Presidential Guard commander, he was sanctioned by the U.S. for his alleged role in the 2018 post-election shootings of six civilians. His reassignment from the army to the sports ministry was widely viewed as a political maneuver amid Zanu PF’s internal succession battles.

Analysts point to a long-standing pattern of military figures openly backing Zanu PF. In 2002, top generals, including now-Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, declared that Zimbabwe’s presidency should only go to those with liberation war credentials—a statement seen as a veiled threat against opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.

Constitutional Violation?

Section 208 of Zimbabwe’s constitution bars security services from political involvement. Sanyatwe’s remarks have raised fresh concerns over the military’s impartiality.

“When ex-generals openly vow eternal rule for one party, it undermines the very foundation of democracy,” said political analyst Rejoice Ngwenya.

“Zimbabweans must ask: Are elections just a ritual if the outcome is pre-determined?”

As tensions escalate, Sanyatwe’s declaration has deepened fears that Zimbabwe’s democratic institutions remain captive to militarized politics.

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