Madzibaba Andby born Andby Makururu, founder of the Johane the 5th of Africa Apostolic church has defended his ‘prophecy’ that people who vote for President Emmerson Mnangagwa will live longer.
Makururu who is also the founder of Ruvheneko Rwenyenyedzi Trust has claimed that God will grant 15 more years of life to people who will vote for Mnangagwa in the upcoming elections.
In a video circulating on social media, Madzibaba Andby claims to have had a conversion with the Holy Spirit regarding Zimbabwe’s forthcoming elections.
He made the remarks while addressing hundreds of his church followers in Zimunya Township in Mutare last week where he was celebrating his birthday. Speaking to NewsDay Weekender, Madzibaba Andby said:
On the issue of 15 years, I was talking to people who I was praying with and those who know God and Jesus. It is even in the Bible to respect your mother and father so that your years on earth will be increased, this is the same when respecting our government.
It is even in the bible that we should respect our government, not opposition. Churches should come in the open to support their government, especially the indigenous churches.
The moment you respect your government, you will have peace in the country and things will be flowing and your years will be added.
The people I command respect our government and the ruling party, now we are going to the elections there is need to respect our leaders and government.
As church leaders we are praying for our country so that we have peaceful elections and I am going around the country preaching about unity in the country.
The ‘prophecy’ that Madzibaba Andby gave to those who will vote for Mnangagwa was heavily criticised as blasphemous in some quarters.
In Zimbabwe, religion and politics are strongly connected. The ruling party, ZANU-PF, has used religion to gain support and legitimacy, while some religious leaders have spoken out against political oppression and corruption.
However, the relationship between religion and politics is not always clear-cut, with accusations of collusion and exploitation on both sides.