HARARE – President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Wednesday named charismatic preacher Uebert Angel as his Presidential Envoy and Ambassador-at-Large to the Americas and Europe.
Angel, born Uebert Mudzanire, returned to Zimbabwe from the United Kingdom two weeks ago and went through training for regular diplomats.
The 42-year-old told journalists following a meeting with Mnangagwa at State House that he was “ready to hit the ground running.”
The appointment has raised eyebrows in Zimbabwe, many questioning how the founder of the Spirit Embassy Church would transition into diplomacy and politics.
Angel said: “The biggest problem you find is that when a person is called prophet or pastor, that’s where it ends. People forget that I have two degrees in finance, a post-graduate degree in education from the University of Bolton and a Masters in entrepreneurship from the University of Edinburgh.”
Angel, whose wife Beverley is also a preacher, touted his “vast knowledge of business” and “a lot of connections” he said would help him bring investment to Zimbabwe.
He said he would not be leaving the country immediately, but instead would be welcoming unnamed foreign investors he already has lined-up to explore opportunities in the country.
Angel has faced allegations of sexual impropriety from several women, at least five of whom are in England. He denies wrongdoing and he has not been prosecuted in any jurisdiction.
