By Nigel Pfunde
Isnt ironic?
Joseph Kalimbwe the firebrand Zambian activist and relentless critic of President Emmerson Mnangagwa has turned to the heavens to secure his political future.
Kalimbwe, a prominent Zambian political activist, recently visited Prophet Isaiah Brian Sovi for “spiritual fortification” and anointing.
The move comes as Kalimbwe ramps up his campaign for a parliamentary seat under Ndola Central Constituency in the upcoming Zambian elections, seeking divine intervention to navigate the treacherous waters of politics.
The irony of the meeting was not lost on the public. Prophet Sovi is widely recognized as a “spiritual son” to Uebert Angel, the founder of Spirit Embassy and a man deeply embedded in the Zimbabwean political establishment. Angel serves as President Mnangagwa’s Ambassador at Large and Presidential Envoy to Europe and the Americas.
For years, Kalimbwe has used his massive social media platform to relentlessly attack President Mnangagwa administration, calling out human rights issues and the governance style of the The Second Republic.
The optics are staggering: Kalimbwe, who often frames himself as the ideological antithesis of the ZANU-PF status quo, is now seeking a blessing from a spiritual lineage that leads directly back to the presidium’ inner circle.
Kalimbwe is no stranger to controversy. Born in Zambia but having risen to prominence as a student leader in Namibia, he became a household name across the SADC region for his vocal support of “New Africa” movements. He played a pivotal role in mobilizing the youth vote for President Hakainde Hichilema during the 2021 Zambian elections.
His Twitter (X) feed is a battleground where he frequently clashes with Zimbabwean government officials, earning him the title of “Public Enemy Number One” among many ZANU-PF supporters.
Now transitioning from a party activist to a an aspiring candidate, Kalimbwe is eyeing a seat in the National Assembly, shifting his focus from regional activism to local legislation.
Prophet Isaiah Brian Sovi, based in South Africa, is known for his “controversial Zambia football Prophecy” and has attracted a following of young, ambitious professionals and politicians.
During the visit, Sovi reportedly prayed for Kalimbwe’s success, anointing him for the “electoral journey” ahead.
Critics have been quick to point out the contradiction.
“It is fascinating to see Kalimbwe kneeling before a man who looks up to Uebert Angel the very man who represents the Mnangagwa government Kalimbwe claims to despise,” said Mandla Ndlovu on Facebook.
“In politics, it seems the spiritual path is often more circular than linear.”
For Kalimbwe, the move may be a pragmatic play for the Zambian electorate, where faith and politics are inextricably linked. By seeking Sovi’s blessing, he taps into a powerful religious demographic. However, as he prepares to hit the campaign trail, the question remains: Can he maintain his posture as Mnangagwa’s chief regional critic while being spiritually “covered” by the protégé of Mnangagwa’s own diplomat?
As the election draws near, Kalimbwe is betting that his supporters will care more about his divine mandate than his diplomatic inconsistencies. In the world of Southern African politics, it seems that while the ideologies may clash, the altars often remain the same.
