Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa-Senior Reporter
FIRST Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa yesterday paid tribute to Archbishop Paul Mwazha revered founder of the African Apostolic Church describing him as a distinguished spiritual leader who made an enduring contribution to the growth of religious tourism in Zimbabwe.
Archbishop Mwazha, affectionately known as Mutumwa, meaning “angelic messenger”, died on November 20 at the age of 107.
He was declared a national hero.
During her visit to the Mwazha family home, the First Lady extended condolences, describing the late Archbishop as an exemplary figure within the Christian community.
“The President, as my husband, father of the entire family, at home, sent me with a message of family to family during this time of mourning. We are deeply saddened by the loss of Archbishop Mwazha, whom we grew up knowing as ‘Mutumwa.’ He did so much for us in Zimbabwe.
“Zimbabweans are your family, united by Mutumwa’s teachings. Even though we come from different denominations, the teachings of Ubuntu, love, and unity remain the same. We pray that his soul may rest in peace, and we are grateful for the time we had with him on this earth,” she said.
First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa consoles family members and church leaders during her visit to the Mwazha family home to pay tribute to the late Archbishop Paul Mwazha, revered founder of the African Apostolic Church, yesterday.
Dr Mnangagwa added:“May God continue to comfort us all as we celebrate the Archbishop’s life. When God has a purpose for someone, He uses them, just as He used Mutumwa for 107 years. His age alone is a testimony that he was truly sent by God.”
The First Lady said Mutumwa’s influence was evident in the large gatherings his church continued to attract, gatherings that also contribute to the country’s religious-based tourism.
“Religious tourism is one of the avenues that bring people from different countries together. When visitors come here, they find what they are seeking, and this promotes our nation,” she said.
Religious tourism boosts economic activity by supporting sectors including food, transport, accommodation and energy, creating jobs and strengthening enterprise development while enhancing Zimbabwe’s reputation as a welcoming destination where culture, hospitality and spirituality converge.
The First Lady also encouraged the family and the church to remain united as they navigate life after the Archbishop’s passing.
“I have observed that in some churches, when a messenger passes on, people begin to fight. But we say that we are your family wherever we may be, so remain united in love,” she said.
First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa (left) is seen off by Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Minister Monica Mutsvangwa (second from left) and Vice Chair of the African Apostolic Church, Bishop Patrick Mahachi (right), after visiting the Mwazha family home to pay tribute to the late Archbishop Paul Mwazha, revered founder of the African Apostolic Church, in Harare yesterday.
Dr Mnangagwa also expressed gratitude for the support Mutumwa’s church has consistently shown to national leadership since independence, saying the Archbishop was a strong advocate for unity among black people.
Bishop Alfred Kushamisa Mwazha, son of the late Archbishop, thanked the First Lady for comforting the family during their time of mourning.
“We want to express our deep gratitude for being remembered during such a difficult time, for the one who remembers you is truly yours. The words you shared with us, Amai, we have placed in our hearts,” he said.
Tendai Mwazha, daughter of the late Archbishop, also expressed appreciation.
“We thank you, First Lady, and we deeply appreciate the respect you have shown to our late father, to us as a family and to the entire church. We pray that God continues to guide the President and you as a family, granting you wisdom for the nation so that the peace we have continues,” she said.
The daughter attributed her father’s remarkable longevity partly to his lifelong adherence to traditional Zimbabwean cuisine an approach championed nationally by the First Lady.
“We see all that you are doing across the country, and we are truly grateful. The work you are doing in gastronomy is very important because the healthy foods you encourage Zimbabweans to eat are the same foods our father lived on, which helped him live such a long life.
“As his children, we are also following his example by adopting healthy eating habits that nourish the body,” she said.
Learners sing a song in remembrance of Archbishop Paul Mwazha, revered founder of the African Apostolic Church.
Archbishop Mwazha is remembered for his profound influence on the advancement of Christianity while upholding African cultural identity.
Born on October 25, 1918, at Holy Cross Mission in Chirumanzu, he survived a severe childhood illness after being baptised “Paul” by a German Catholic missionary a moment many of his followers considered prophetic.
He later trained as a teacher at Howard Institute and worked within the Methodist Church before breaking away in the late 1950s following what he described as a series of spiritual visions.
These experiences led him to found the African Apostolic Church, which has since expanded into a vast movement with thousands of branches across Africa and millions of congregants worldwide.
Archbishop Mwazha fathered 14 children, 10 of whom are still alive. His wife passed away in 2017.
