ABSTRACT
In the period 2000–2018, Zimbabwe witnessed the proliferation of various forms of religiosity, especially within the Pentecostal tradition. This period also saw increased competition within the religious market place, and religion was commodified and aggressively marketed in all forms of media. Within the political realm there was also increased competition as Robert Mugabe sought to gain recognition and even legitimacy using various institutions, including religion. This chapter focuses on Pentecostalism because of its popularity in the contemporary market of faiths in Zimbabwean society and in Africa as a whole. Scholars who studied Pentecostalism in other parts of the world also confirm the aforementioned burgeoning or revival of religion, particularly among Pentecostals. It seeks to explore and reflect on Mugabe’s relations or interactions with Pentecostalism in Zimbabwe, especially during the last 18 years of his tenure. The chapter endeavours to analyse how Mugabe’s personality cult fared in its interaction with Pentecostalism.
