Africa-Press – Nigeria. JOHANE the 5th of Africa International Church leader Andby Makururu has said President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s conferment of national hero status on the late Paul Mwazha, the leader of the African Apostolic Church, signals a new covenant with the church.
At the same time, Makururu urged peaceful transition of power in the Mwazha church.
Speaking from Maputo, Mozambique, where he is attending his annual church conference and high-level meetings with Mozambican leaders, Makururu conveyed deep sorrow over the passing on of Mwazha and despatched top leaders in his church to join the African Apostolic Church leader’s family and the entire nation in mourning.
Mwazha died on November 20 in Harare aged 107 years.
“I learned with deep sorrow the untimely departure of one of Africa’s most revered church fathers, Archbishop Apostle Dr Paul Mwazha, that he is no more,” Makururu said.
“My heart is with his family, the church, and all those dear and near to him, and I must say this is a very difficult time for the church in the Great Republic of Zimbabwe.
“We ask the Holy Spirit to comfort and console our hearts during this time, and we send our condolences message through our church leaders in the Great Republic of Zimbabwe from here where I’m in Maputo.”
He added: “For decades, our African ministers of the gospel carried the cross under suspicion and suppression.
“Under colonial rule, indigenous churches were hunted, their leaders abducted, beaten and detained for preaching what they believed.
“Even in the first republic, we never saw a single church leader being declared a national hero despite the ascetic sacrifices they made for unity, peace and development in the Great Republic of Zimbabwe.”
Makururu compared the colonial era to today’s second republic, stating that the President’s move signals a marked shift.
“President Mnangagwa has done what others could not.
“He has opened a door that was stubbornly shut for generations.
“This move signals recognition of the church’s prophetic role in the nation.
“It is a new posture that tells every cleric — young or old — that service to God and service to the nation are not opposites, but complementary assignments.”
He urged young and seasoned clergy alike to study Mwazha’s discipline, restraint and service, describing him as “a founding father of the African Apostolic movement” and that his life was “a spiritual bulwark, dedicated to serving our nation and guarding it from spiritual, cultural, political and economic demise”.
“If we, as leaders, cannot learn from a man who walked in holiness for almost a century, then we have abandoned our own mandate.
“President Mnangagwa has placed Mwazha’s legacy where it belongs — in the national memory.
“That alone should shake every pulpit across the Great Republic of Zimbabwe.”
Makururu said his fervent prayer was that the Mwazha church leaders manage the issue of succession — the transition of apostolic authority — “in a peaceful and respectful manner”.
“This orderly transfer of the shepherd’s mantle is vital as the process often inflicts schismatic harm rather than providing spiritual healing to the bereaved flock,” he said, further suggesting that, if possible, the government should oversee “this delicate ecclesial process” to ensure the continuity of the institution and “prevent the internal strife that frequently follows the death of a charismatic founder”.
“The time is now for the Church in Africa to critically re-evaluate its framework of ecclesiastical governance.
“Dr Mwazha’s enduring apostolic authority and the sustained vitality of the African Apostolic Church have provided a clear model.
“This indigenous model highlights the enduring advantage of a faith structure that preserves life and promotes wellness, as evidenced by his own century-plus existence.
“By adopting principles of spiritual discipline and Godly governance, the church can strengthen its capacity to guide the Nation toward enduring stability and prosperity.”
After the Maputo church conference, Makururu is scheduled to fly to Lusaka, Zambia, for another international assembly, where his mission is “to intercede for a peaceful and non-violent election climate during Zambia’s upcoming general elections set for 2026”.
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