By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Businessman and philanthropist Kuda Tagwirei has announced plans to construct a large Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) church in Mutoko. The pledge, made during a church gathering, has generated excitement among the local congregation, but has received mixed reactions on social media.
News of the pledge was shared on the social media platform X. In the video, Tagwirei, who is an elder in the SDA Church, indicated that construction could begin as early as this week or the next.
“Right now, as this week begins, maybe the following week, we want to build an amazing/impressive church here,” Tagwirei was quoted as saying.
While some online commenters lauded Tagwirei’s generosity, others raised questions about his motives and the origin of his wealth.
Some social media users expressed concern that building a church might not be the most beneficial use of resources given the country’s economic challenges.
Comments on social media included reminders of past calls for Tagwirei’s arrest for alleged corruption by senior members of the ruling Zanu-PF party.
One user commented, “Giving peanuts to the people you disadvantaged gives mbingas a thrill. I think they orgasm from it. But anyway, churches are good.”
Another user, questioned the impact of building a church for community upliftment, asking, “Uplifting communities by building a church Why not build a factory so people in those areas get employment?”
The contrasting reactions to Tagwirei’s promise highlight a divide between the immediate benefits perceived by the local church members and the critical scrutiny from a wider online audience, raising questions about the most effective ways to “uplift communities.”