Man of God/Gold and Zanu-PFism in Zimbabwe: The Case of Makandiwa and Angel

Abstract

This theoretical chapter discusses the arguments of decoloniality relating to two prominent prophets in Zimbabwe, namely Emmanuel Makandiwa and Uebert Angel. The chapter was written as a result of an Al Jazeera documentary exposing how mafia groups have, over the years, smuggled gold out of Zimbabwe, thereby creating a crisis of nationalism and causing economic meltdown and many social pathologies, while religion cements or consolidates Zanu-PFism in the process of gold smuggling. I show how the two prophets are connected to gold—legally or otherwise—and I make a strong case that anyone involved with gold in Zimbabwe has a mandate from the regime to speak for it, maintain it and defend it at all costs, even it if it is at the expense of one’s moral integrity. I also explain that these two prophets are part of the wider problems facing Zimbabwe, and, hence, any solution to the crisis should also address the religiosity of the Zimbabwean people. The argument of this chapter is that religion, by design or default, has contributed to Zanu-PFism, and to looting and economic destruction, to which prophets contribute. Considering this claim, it is critical that scholars continue to speak out and problematise prophetic mandates that seek to thwart democracy, deprive the people of their national resources and exclude the general populace from participation in a meaningful economy.