Samuel Kadungure
News Editor
A MAJOR church-backed investment that stretches beyond the pulpit and into the marketplace is reshaping the economic landscape of Headlands, where a US$3 million business complex bringing together fuel, retail, food services, vehicle maintenance and hospitality has officially opened its doors.
The Taguta Energy Facility, also known as the Halfway Travel Plaza, is the latest venture by Johane Marange Apostolic Church High Priest, St Nimrod Taguta, and underscores the growing role of faith-based institutions in promoting enterprise, job creation and community development.
Officially commissioned yesterday (Thursday) by Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mtuli Ncube, the six-hectare facility employs 70 people, and offers motorists and surrounding communities a one-stop destination for fuel, shopping, dining, accommodation and vehicle services.
The investment drew praise from Government officials, who described it as a shining example of how indigenous capital can drive economic growth, create employment and support Zimbabwe’s development agenda.
Minister Ncube commended the Johane Marange Apostolic Church for broadening its contribution to national development beyond spiritual guidance into education and business.
He said while Zimbabwe has achieved single-digit inflation for the first time in more than three decades, sustaining economic stability requires continued investment and vigilance.
“Stability is built every day, and we must continue working to preserve it. Energy is central to economic growth and productivity. Average daily electricity generation increased from 866 megawatts in 2024 to 1 537 megawatts in 2025, significantly reducing load shedding and improving business confidence.
“Government wants to mobilise over US$9 billion in energy investments. We ask every businessperson to formalise, and to keep honest books and records, pay their fair taxes, which finance our schools, clinics, and roads,” said Minister Ncube, hailing the church for its massive investment in education.
“That is a remarkable contribution to national development, and we thank the church for it. I am equally encouraged by this business venture and its plans for expansion. It will, not only serve the trucking community travelling along this busy corridor, but also provide shelter and support for stranded motorists,” he said.
Minister Ncube welcomed plans to expand fuel storage capacity at the facility, saying the additional infrastructure will improve access to fuel for farmers in the surrounding areas.
“The installation of additional fuel tanks will bring energy closer to farmers, enhance agricultural productivity, and create more employment opportunities. Such investments strengthen communities and contribute to broader economic
Minister Ncube said meaningful development should, not be measured solely by infrastructure, financial performance or balance sheets, but also by the values that underpin investment and enterprise.
“Development is not measured by infrastructure alone or by the strength of a balance sheet. Societies and businesses thrive when they are built on values such as honesty, discipline, family unity and care for one another. These are the principles the church promotes.
“Policy can create conditions for growth, but it is character that sustains that growth. In many ways, character is destiny. The church is not only a pillar of society; it is also a builder of society,” he said.
Minister Ncube noted that faith-based organisations across Zimbabwe has made significant contributions to national development through the establishment of schools, clinics and mission centres that support vulnerable members of society.
“Across the country, churches care for orphans, widows, the elderly and struggling families. They are also able to mobilise people and resources with a level of trust and efficiency that few institutions can match.
“Here in Manicaland, the Johane Marange Apostolic Church, founded in 1932, has deep roots within communities and is known for promoting discipline, humility and social cohesion. It is pleasing to see those values reflected in the enterprise we are celebrating today,” he said.
Minister Ncube said the name Taguta embodied the values of gratitude and contentment, reminding people that prosperity should be received with thanksgiving and shared with others.
“During our tour, I was impressed to see a range of Taguta-branded products, including peanut butter, cooking oil, water, rice, soap and jam. One of the key lessons in business is the importance of building and marketing your own brands. That is how businesses create value and achieve sustainable growth,” he said.
He described the church as a vital partner in nation-building.
“The church serves as a moral compass, teaching that honest work is dignified and that corruption and tax evasion undermine families and nations. It is a peacemaker that promotes unity within communities and a safety net for the vulnerable.
“Above all, it is a school of enterprise and stewardship, encouraging people to work hard, save, build and give back to society,” he said.
Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei, said President Mnangagwa played a pivotal role in creating the enabling environment that made the establishment of the Taguta Energy Facility possible.
Dr Tagwirei said his ministry’s mandate is to promote both domestic and foreign investment in line with the Government’s development philosophy of Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo.
He hailed Johane Marange Apostolic Church High Priest, St Nimrod Taguta, for extending his influence beyond the spiritual realm and building a diversified business portfolio spanning brick moulding, quarrying, agriculture, manufacturing, education and energy.
The transformation of the former Halfway House into the modern Taguta Travel Plaza began in February, and was completed in October.
The multi-million-dollar complex houses the Taguta Service Station, Taguta Eatery, Taguta Fit and Go, and Taguta Grocery, creating a one-stop service centre for travellers, motorists and surrounding communities.
Dr Tagwirei described the facility as one of the finest service stations in the country, and a practical demonstration of the President’s vision of indigenous-led economic development.
“This is exactly what the President means when he says: Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo. This facility is not just selling fuel; it is providing a complete range of services. It has a takeaway, supermarket, vehicle fitment and wheel-balancing centre, hardware section, accommodation facilities, truck stop and modern ablution services. It is a comprehensive service hub.
“This investment of more than US$3 million ranks among the best of its kind in Zimbabwe. Mutumwa has set an excellent example by leading from the front and demonstrating how local institutions can drive investment and economic growth,” he said.
Minister Tagwirei said projects such as the Taguta Travel Plaza are critical in inspiring more Zimbabweans to invest in productive sectors of the economy.
“My role is to facilitate investment, and this project makes that task much easier because people can see what is possible when local capital is put to work. We want Zimbabweans to invest in Zimbabwe and create opportunities for fellow citizens,” he said.
He added that the project reflects the increasing participation of local investors in sectors that traditionally relied on foreign capital.
“We want our people to take a leading role in developing their communities and serving their own communities. With the volume of activity taking place here, this venture is well-positioned to become a profitable and sustainable business,” he said.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, applauded the investment for creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic activity in the province.
He also commended President Mnangagwa for fostering a business environment that continues to support the growth of indigenous enterprises.
Minister Mugadza praised the Johane Marange Apostolic Church for diversifying its investments, particularly in the education sector, where the church has established about 70 schools across the country.
ZANU PF Manicaland provincial chairman, Cde Tawanda Mukodza, said the investment is in line with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 agenda and the country’s empowerment drive.
He commended the church for its contribution to economic development, saying investments of this nature complemented Government efforts to create jobs, build communities and accelerate national growth.
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