Advocate Mpofu Accuses Tagwirei Of Paying SDA Pastors US$270 000 Monthly
Prominent lawyer Advocate Thabani Mpofu has made explosive claims that businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei is paying pastors of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church a total of US$270,000 (R4.9 million) every month.
Mpofu’s Exact Words
Posting on his verified account, Advocate Mpofu wrote:
“ZANU PF’s explosive claims should force the SDA Church to introspect. The party alleges it owns 40% of Sakunda and that donations to churches are actually party money. We’ve long known that Tagwireyi pays SDA pastors (the 600 of them) $450 each per month in addition to many other donations lavished on them which include Zimbabwe’s curse,—the big Toyota automobiles. If the church is accepting funds tied to Sakunda, it is effectively taking ZANU PF money on an ongoing basis. Not only does that stain ethical considerations but it also makes the church a legitimate political target and takes off the protection granted it by religion. What members choose to do with this information is up to them. Regarding the reaction of the populace, I won’t be the one planting ideas in Zimbabweans’ heads. Burying our heads in the sand is however, no longer a viable option.”
The statement directly linked the SDA Church’s financial benefits to political funds, warning of the potential risks that could arise.
Political And Public Reaction
Former Education Minister David Coltart responded to the claims on @DavidColtart, writing:
“If these allegations made by @adv_fulcrum are true – and I have no reason to doubt them – they constitute a very serious indictment against this entire denomination. Jesus was very clear about ‘rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar’s’ – in other words He spoke about the need for a clear separation between Church and State and the moment any Church veers into secular politics it is in deep trouble. Furthermore the Bible is replete with powerful scriptures from beginning to end condemning bribery and corruption. The Church needs to consider where this money comes from and whether it is tantamount to an attempt to sway or influence the Church politically. The Church has no choice but to confront these allegations head on. If they are false then prove them false. If they are true then it is time for deep introspection and a change of direction.”
Online reactions also poured in. One user said:
“As long as they are not eating pork or going to church on Sunday, the regular Adventists don’t really care.”
Another remarked:
“The SDA Church in Zimbabwe is now known for being people who gather on Saturdays and don’t eat pork. Otherwise beyond that, the majority have become the same, if not worse than people whom they call unbelievers.”
Mpofu’s Earlier Clashes With SDA Leadership
This is not the first time Advocate Mpofu has challenged the SDA leadership. In June 2025, he wrote to the Zimbabwe East Union Conference after retired army general and ZANU-PF politician Anselem Sanyatwe spoke at an SDA event in Nyanga, organised by Tagwirei. He described it as a “desecration of the SDA pulpit.”
A few days later, Mpofu issued a legal ultimatum, demanding a public apology and warning that legal action would be taken if the church did not comply.
On 28 June 2025, the Zimbabwe East Union Conference responded with a statement insisting that the church “is not a political institution,” while Sanyatwe apologised for declaring that ZANU PF would rule “until donkeys grow horns.”
Despite these developments, Mpofu has remained outspoken, insisting that church neutrality must be preserved.
SDA Church Under Pressure
The SDA Church has since attempted to distance itself from politics, but Tagwirei’s growing involvement — from donating vehicles to sponsoring events — continues to draw attention.
Tagwirei has been accused of deliberately using church platforms to consolidate his influence, with allegations linking him to booking the Harare International Conference Centre on New Year’s Eve, a move perceived as blocking critic Winky D’s annual show.
With Mpofu’s latest allegations of direct monthly payments to pastors, the SDA leadership faces mounting pressure to respond decisively to preserve its neutrality.
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The post Kuda Tagwirei Paying SDA Pastors US$270 000 Per Month: Advocate Thabani Mpofu Makes Explosive Allegations appeared first on iHarare News.
