Online Reporter
Masimba Mavaza
Correspondent
I FIRST encountered Archbishop Paul Mwazha, affectionately known as Madzibaba Pauro Mwazha we Africa, in the United Kingdom.
He was the founder of the African Apostolic Church, a testament to his divine commission from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Archbishop Ernest Paul Mwazha’s calling was to spread the gospel to all nations, emphasising salvation through belief and baptism. His interdenominational prayer sessions sparked the formation of the African Apostolic Church, which has grown to an estimated seven million congregants.
For nearly 56 years, the church has upheld a modest dress code, reflecting its values of simplicity and humility. Archbishop Mwazha’s legacy is a shining example of devotion, faith and service to others.
We remember Ernest Paul Mamvura Mwazha, affectionately known as Mutumwa, a Zimbabwean clergyman and founder of the African Apostolic Church. Born on October 25, 1918, at Holy Cross Mission, Chirumanzu, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), he dedicated his life to serving God and humanity.
Mutumwa’s legacy is one of compassion, justice, and fairness.
He championed integration and inclusion, believing these values were essential for church growth and reflecting God’s diverse kingdom.
His passing on November 20, 2025, at 107, leaves a profound void, but his impact will be felt for generations. We celebrate his life, ministry, and unwavering commitment to the gospel.
May his example inspire us to continue his work, promoting love, unity and service to others.
Mutumwa Mwazha was the best of us; devoted in his ministry, dedicated to developing and elevating people, and wholly committed to serving Jesus. Numerous congregants are blessed to have served and worshipped alongside him in the church in Zimbabwe, and the wider Church, for so many years he brought joy and healing to so many, with his extraordinary empathy, kindness, grace and resolve.
Even in this moment of deep sorrow, we give thanks to God for Mutumwa Mwazha’s life, all that he achieved and the ways he served his Lord and Master. Paul Mwazha was a remarkable Christian leader and minister who wore his Christian faith in his sleeves.
He was a true soldier and ambassador of God who, according to 2nd Timothy Chapter 4 verse 5, worked hard and was never afraid at telling others the Good News and the reason for his faith in Jesus. He was known of strict and direct discipline.
“Those who came in contact with Mutumwa Mwazha will attest to his vibrancy and the amazing love he has for many. He was hospitable, generous and made himself available to others at all times.
As we remember Mwazha, the church founder we are embraced in his faith, dedication and legacy through personal anecdotes and scriptural references.
We do remember Mutumwa’s tireless work, his role as a spiritual leader, and the impact of his ministry, using themes of encouragement, guidance and the pursuit of a godly life. Mutumwa managed to run a united indigenous church without divisions we have seen in most churches.
Many Zimbabweans even in our unconverted state we believe that Paul Mwazha was the greatest preacher ever. The church clearly remember the passion and fervour with which he preached.
He loved Christ. He loved the Word of God. He loved the church of our Lord Jesus. He allowed God to use him in any way. Mwazha is the person who can truly be described in a simple biblical phrase “man of God.”
Like Moses and Elijah, he was a man of God. Those of you who knew him will remember him as a man of godly conviction and persuasion. He stood firm on the reformation principle of his church.
He did not make decisions in his ministry as to what was popular in evangelical circles; he did not pander to human applause; his pastoral leadership and decision making was based upon the principle “What does the Word of God say?”
When he preached one had no doubts that his goal was to preach the uncompromised truth of the Word. He had a fear of God which superseded any fear of man which enabled him to remain firmly committed to the truth when others in the ministry would compromise to popular appeal.
Archbishop Mwazha was in the words spoken to Daniel “a man greatly beloved” of the Lord. He walked with God. He communed with God. He spent hours in prayer interceding for the cause of Christ. Mwazha was indeed an Elijah when it came to prayer.
In Mwazha, a mighty warrior has left our ranks.” What a call this is for us to take up the challenge to be fervent in prayer; to step into the gap that Mwazha has left and resolve to become prayer warriors; mighty intercessors for the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ.
One of the greatest gifts Mutumwa Mwazha has left us is his godly example. He is an example of faithfulness — faithfulness to his Lord and Master, Jesus Christ; faithful to the Word of God; faithful in pastoring and preaching the Word.
