The Zimbabwe Catholic Bishops’ Conference (ZCBC) has warned that Zimbabwe is “doomed” if President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration does not take decisive action to curb rampant corruption.
In a pastoral letter issued on March 3, just two days before the start of the 2025 Lent Season, the bishops urged the government to prioritise “bread and butter issues” over focusing on extending Mnangagwa’s term in office.
The bishops also criticised the unpunished corruption, claiming that those responsible are not only uncensored but are often rewarded while draining the nation’s resources.
A new term, “zvigananda,” has recently emerged in Zimbabwe’s vocabulary. It is used to describe corrupt individuals who accumulate wealth through illicit means and questionable morals, exploiting personal connections with powerful politicians to seize public resources for personal gain.
The bishops warned that, given the rate at which companies are closing and people are losing their jobs, Zimbabwe is on a perilous path. Part of the letter reads:
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We are all worried about the situation in the country. Politically, instead of focusing on bread-and- butter issues we are caught up in distractions such as the ‘Third term’ conversations.
Something that has brought with it divisions and unnecessary diversions from the things that do matter. Economically, we are not faring well.
Businesses are closing and many people are losing their jobs. The few who are still lucky to be working are burdened under the regime of taxes.
Corruption is rampant and seems to be out of control. At the rate which it is taking place, cutting through various sectors, the nation is doomed.
One wonders why the corrupt seem uncensured and even rewarded whilst haemorrhaging the nation.
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The bishops also lamented the rising poverty in the country, saying it is “not accidental,” but rather the result of specific choices and systems in place. They said:
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It must be said that in our society there is an ever-widening gap between the poor and the rich. Few individuals seem to be benefiting from the wealth of the nation.
We would like to remind our people that… poverty is not accidental, but a result of particular choices and systems, calls for our introspection as a nation.
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The bishops’ conference consists of seven Catholic bishops who oversee dioceses in Mutare, Harare, Hwange, Bulawayo, Gweru, Masvingo, and Gokwe. The current president is Reverend Paul Horan, the bishop of the Mutare diocese.
Catholic bishops have been vocal critics of Zimbabwe’s trajectory under President Mnangagwa, who came to power following a 2017 military coup with promises of political and economic reforms.
Mnangagwa’s supporters within the ruling ZANU PF party are pushing for a constitutional amendment to extend his term beyond 2028 when his second and final term is set to end.

Pindula News

The Catholic bishops in Zimbabwe are worried that the country is in trouble because of a lot of corruption. They are saying that some people are getting rich by stealing from the country and not getting punished. They are also unhappy that the president is thinking about staying in power for a longer time instead of fixing the problems in the country. The bishops are also sad that many people are getting poor while a few rich people keep getting richer. They are asking the government to stop corruption and focus on helping the people.

Zimbabwe Is "Doomed" As "Zvigananda" Are Rewarded, Catholic Bishops Warn

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has defended controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo, describing him as a philanthropist who is spending his own money.
In a meeting with editors at State House on Monday, Mnangagwa addressed allegations that Chivayo is acting as his frontman by distributing vehicles and cash donations to various individuals, including members of the ruling ZANU PF party, musicians, actors, and retired footballers.
The claims suggest that Chivayo is being used to distribute these gifts to garner support for Mnangagwa who is pushing a presidential term extension through his proxies in ZANU PF.
Mnangagwa strongly dismissed these claims, saying he does not have access to such large sums of money and refuting suggestions that he is funding Chivayo’s charitable activities. He said:
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Where would I get the money to give him? Investigate where you think I’m getting the money to give Chivayo to distribute, rather than wasting my time worrying about someone who is using his own money. You can’t bother me about someone who is philanthropic. If anyone’s money was stolen then they should report to the police.
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Mnangagwa’s comments stand in stark contrast to those of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who appears to view Wicknell Chivayo as an unscrupulous businessman.
Speaking to mourners at the National Heroes Acre last month, Chiwenga, while not directly naming Chivayo, made a pointed remark that seemed aimed at him.
Referring to a “chigananda,” a term that implies someone who profits at the expense of others, Chiwenga indirectly criticized the businessman’s character. He said:
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Vision 2030 is for all of us, not those you refer to as mbinga. During the liberation struggle, we referred to those as zvigananda
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President Mnangagwa says Wicknell Chivayo is not his helper, but a kind person who uses his own money to help others. Some people think Chivayo is giving gifts to make people like Mnangagwa more. But Mnangagwa says he doesn't have that much money to give Chivayo. Another leader, Vice President Chiwenga, doesn't trust Chivayo. He called him a bad businessman who takes advantage of others. Mnangagwa and Chiwenga have different opinions about Chivayo.

Mnangagwa: Chivayo Is A Philanthropist, Not My Frontman

Vice President and acting president, Constantino Chiwenga, has condemned corrupt dealers, known as “Mbinga” in Zimbabwe.
Speaking at the funeral of national hero Justin Mupamhanga at the National Heroes Acre on Monday, Chiwenga criticised politically connected businessmen, calling them “zvigananda” (leeches) and vowed to take action against them.
Chiwenga said the founding principles of Zimbabwe were based on equal opportunities for all, not for those who profit from corruption and looting. He said:
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We all swore to a shared future in which everyone had a place on the table, a place in the sun, for a culture of equal opportunity where every Zimbabwean served in equal measure.
Zveubvanzu ubvanzu kudya kwemhumi takazviramba. Our Vision 2030 is for all of us, kwete dzamunoti mbinga, kuhondo taizviti zvigananda, those who grow big tummies through ill-gotten wealth and questionable morals.
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The term “mbingas” refers to wealthy individuals, often businesspeople, who are perceived to have gained their wealth through questionable means, such as corruption or exploiting public resources.
The term is sometimes used pejoratively to describe those who are seen as engaging in unethical practices to amass wealth.

Vice President Chiwenga in Zimbabwe is angry at corrupt people called "Mbingas" who are getting rich unfairly. He spoke at a hero's funeral and said everyone should have equal chances, not just those who cheat and steal. He promised to punish these "mbingas" who have big tummies from illegal money. These "mbingas" are seen as bad people who use dishonest ways to become rich. Chiwenga wants all Zimbabweans to have a fair chance and not be controlled by corrupt "mbingas."

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