Serving like Joseph can save Zimbabwe: Optimizing spiritual with strategic leadership

Serving like Joseph can save Zimbabwe: Optimizing spiritual with strategic leadership

Kimion Tagwirei

Issue: Vol. 7 No.3 2026 Article 22 pp.946 – 955
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20267322| Published online 29th April 2026

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ABSTRACT

Paradoxically, Zimbabwe is so rich in natural, material and human resources, yet it is plagued by crises due to poor leadership. Providentially, spirituality retains a strong influence in national affairs. Sadly, strategic engagement is missing. Many Christian and traditional leaders neglect active politics while a few engage, and others become national leaders without offering transformational strategies. Despite their failure, spiritual leaders are still trusted and expected to leverage their positions and influence the transformation of Zimbabwe. While the positive contributions of religion to development are appreciated, the continuity of multi-layered political, socio-economic and environmental crises and the mass exodus of Zimbabweans to neighbouring countries, which cause disturbing migration problems, are a wake-up call for transformational leadership. Using literature review and Butzke’s theory of theonomic reciprocity, this article explores lessons from Joseph’s strategic leadership. It finds that, while Joseph was very spiritual, he was also strategic and effective in national governance. In conclusion, spiritual leadership can enhance national transformation if it is strategized. Therefore, it is recommended that Christian leaders emulate Joseph and strategize their spiritual capacities to save Zimbabwe from its present predicament.

Keywords: Spiritual Leadership, Integrity, Strategy, Sustainability, Transformation

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ABOUT AUTHOR(S)

Kimion Tagwirei (PhD) is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at North-West University, The Unit for Reformational Theology and the Development of the South African Society, Faculty of Theology, Potchefstroom, South Africa. He researches, teaches and publishes African Spiritualities and Leadership, Integral Mission, Political Theology and Sustainable Development for inclusive wellbeing.

TO CITE ARTICLE

Tagwirei, Kimion. “Serving like Joseph can save Zimbabwe: Optimizing spiritual with strategic leadership.” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 7, no.3 (2026): 946 – 955. https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20267322