Thousands bid Mutumwa Mwazha farewell

Mashonaland East Bureau

NATIONAL hero Archbishop Enerst Paul Mamvura Mwazha, founder of the African Apostolic Church, was buried yesterday at Chirasauta Mountain in Chikomba District, where speakers saluted him for his immense contribution during the liberation struggle and uplifting the livelihoods of Zimbabweans.

Archbishop Mwazha died on November 20 in Harare.

He was 107.

Thousands of people from all walks of life converged to witness the burial.

Minister of State for Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Itayi Ndudzo, who was the chief mourner, said the Archbishop would be remembered for his support of the armed struggle that brought about an independent Zimbabwe.

“During Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, Archbishop Mwazha managed four retail businesses,” he said.

“He actively supported freedom fighters by praying for them, providing clothing and foodstuffs from his businesses, demonstrating his commitment to the national cause.

“He contributed much for a free Zimbabwe. We also remember him for being an author. He has 66 years of service and he managed to transform lives in this area. Today, the church has a lot of congregants not just in Zimbabwe, but across the world.”

Adv Ndudzo said due to Mutumwa Mwazha’s work and unparalleled patriotism, President Mnangagwa saw it fit to accord him the highest honour of national hero.

“To the Mwazha family, to Chikomba District and Zimbabwe, on behalf of Government, we say find comfort in this difficult time.

“To the Archbishop, we say rest in peace, our national hero,” said Adv Ndudzo.

Family spokesperson and son to the late Archbishop, Dr Masimba Mwazha, said the family has lost a pillar of strength.

“We learnt a lot of things from our late father. He was courageous, hardworking, prayerful and an outstanding leader.

“As children, we have lost our pillar of strength, a father, uncle and a loving person. As a family, we want to thank the Government under President Mnangagwa, for according our father national hero status.

“This means a lot to us. His outstanding dedication to Zimbabwe has earned him this status.”

Hwedza North constituency legislator Cde Tinoda Machakaire, who is also the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, said Archbishop Mwazha’s works speak for themselves.

“This is why he was declared a national hero. This is why there are a lot of people gathered here to say farewell to Archbishop Mwazha.

Hwedza North constituency legislator Cde Tinoda Machakaire, who is also the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, said Archbishop Mwazha’s works speak for themselves.

“He was a humble man who worked tirelessly for the church and for Zimbabwe. I want to implore the church and the family to remain united and peaceful, protecting the Archbishop’s legacy,” he said.

Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said he was saddened by the death of Archbishop Mwazha.

“He was born in the same year as my late father. So, in other words I am here on behalf of my late father.

Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution Advocate Misheck Mugadza, said he was saddened by the death of Archbishop Mwazha.

“I want to thank President Mnangagwa who saw it prudent to bestow Archbishop Mwazha national hero status,” he said.

A congregant who attended the burial process, Mr Peter Maruma, said they will continue to celebrate the Archbishop’s life in the church.

“He was our spiritual guide. We will always cherish his teachings. From humble beginnings, Mutumwa managed to build a strong followership.

“He touched many peoples’ lives and we have lost a dedicated man,” said Mr Maruma.

Archbishop Mwazha, commonly known as Mudzidzisi or Mutumwa Paul Mwazha weAfrica, was born on October 25, 1918 at Holy Cross Mission, Chirumanzu District in the Midlands Province.

His father was Mr Joseph Mugovera Mwazha, while the mother was Mrs Sarah Mwazha.

According to family members, his mother named him Mamvura because he was born at a time of the deadly influenza disease that killed many infants.

It was generally believed that he would not survive the epidemic and would be buried in the river banks, according to Shona custom.