• Zionism is a nationalist ideology rooted in European colonialism, not a divine mandate

By Mafa Kwanisai Mafa*

The rise of Zionist sponsored Pentecostalism in Africa represents a dangerous alignment of religious influence, political manipulation, and imperialist agendas. This movement, actively supported by apartheid Israel, undermines Africa’s security, weakens solidarity with oppressed peoples, and distorts the true values of Christianity.

Zimbabwean has strong Pan-Africanist tradition and historical solidarity with Palestine, provides a unique lens to understand and resist this phenomenon. Zionist Pentecostalism is a manufactured phenomenon. Israel has invested heavily in building relationships with African Pentecostal leaders, offering financial support and exclusive access to pilgrimages. Tours to Israel, marketed as “spiritual pilgrimages,” are used to reinforce pro-Zionist narratives.

Zionist Pentecostalism manipulates the Christian reverence for the Bible by equating modern Israel with biblical Israel. This narrative falsely portrays Israel as fulfilling divine prophecy while ignoring its apartheid practices.

Prominent Pentecostal figures such as Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa of Zimbabwe’s United Family International Church (UFIC) and Nigerian Bishop David Oyedepo of Winners Chapel have embraced pro-Israel rhetoric. These leaders often urge their congregants to revere Israel uncritically, conflating Zionism with Christian faith.

Zionist Pentecostalism alienates African nations from their historical solidarity with Palestine. By presenting Israel as a divine ally, it de-legitimises the Palestinian struggle and weakens Africa’s shared anti-colonial ethos. Pro-Zionist ideologies create divisions within African societies, fostering alignment with imperialist agendas instead of uniting around Pan-Africanist principles.

Zionist Pentecostalism legitimises Israel’s apartheid system, contradicting Africa’s legacy of fighting colonial oppression. Israel’s systematic oppression of Palestinians mirrors the injustices of apartheid-era South Africa and Rhodesian Zimbabwe. Historically, Israel supported the Rhodesian regime through arms supplies and military training, directly opposing Zimbabwe’s liberation movement.

Today, Israel’s influence persists through economic partnerships and covert political maneuvers, which seek to undermine Zimbabwe’s Pan-Africanist stance and solidarity with Palestine. Zimbabwe’s liberation movement under ZANU-PF drew inspiration from global anti-colonial struggles, including Palestine.

Leaders like Robert Mugabe consistently championed Palestinian rights, condemning Israel’s apartheid practices. Churches played a significant role in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, opposing racial segregation and advocating for justice. This legacy stands in stark contrast to the Zionist Pentecostalism now gaining traction.

The rise of charismatic Pentecostal movements has seen increasing alignment with Zionist narratives. Leaders such as Prophet Walter Magaya of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries (PHD) promote trips to Israel and uncritically endorse Zionist ideologies. The spread of Zionist Pentecostalism diverts attention from the enduring impacts of neo-colonialism and imperialism, diluting Zimbabwe’s Pan-Africanist consciousness.

The infiltration of Zionist narratives undermines Zimbabwe’s ability to rally support for oppressed peoples globally, including Palestinians, and threatens its stance as a bastion of anti-imperialism.

Zionism is a nationalist ideology rooted in European colonialism, not a divine mandate. Its attempts to conflate modern Israel with biblical narratives are deliberate distortions aimed at legitimising its apartheid policies. Zionist practices of land dispossession, segregation, and racial supremacy are fundamentally opposed to Christian teachings of love, justice, and equality.

The apartheid system in Israel echoes the injustices Africa fought against during colonialism. Israel supplied arms and intelligence to both regimes, directly opposing African liberation movements.

Israel has historically prioritized resource extraction and market dominance over genuine partnerships in Africa. Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa embodied the Christian ethic of opposing apartheid, both in South Africa and Israel, calling Israeli policies a “crime against humanity.” Zimbabwean churches, particularly during the liberation struggle, emphasised justice, equality, and resistance against oppression.

True Christian values reject apartheid, racism, and imperialism. African Pentecostal leaders must confront and expose Zionist distortions. The parallels between Israel’s treatment of Palestinians and Africa’s experience under colonialism and apartheid are undeniable.

Supporting Palestine is a reaffirmation of Africa’s anti-colonial identity. Africa’s historical solidarity with Palestine must persist as a moral and strategic stance against global injustice. Zimbabwe must continue to amplify its support for Palestine, advocating for justice at regional and international platforms.

Zimbabwean churches and political leaders must educate citizens about the dangers of Zionist narratives and reaffirm Pan-Africanist values rooted in liberation theology. Zionist Pentecostalism in Africa, and particularly in Zimbabwe, represents a dangerous alliance between religion and imperialism. By distorting Christian values and manipulating Africa’s religious landscape, it undermines the continent’s sovereignty, solidarity, and commitment to justice.

Zimbabwe’s history of resistance against colonialism and apartheid provides a powerful example for confronting this phenomenon. By reclaiming true Christian values, rejecting Zionist narratives, and standing firmly with Palestine, Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole can resist imperialist manipulation and reaffirm their identity as champions of justice and liberation.

• Mafa Kwanisai Mafa is the National Chairperson of Zimbabwe Palestine Solidarity Council