Online Reporter
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
THE US$2 million investment by Taguta Stone Crushers in the construction materials sector in Mutare, coupled with substantial investments in agriculture and education nationwide by the Johane Marange Apostolic Church, serves as proof of the wealth and financial prowess of the white garment churches that has gone unnoticed for years.
For a long time, apostolic sects have been perceived as congregations catering for the poor and spiritually afflicted individuals and families, while also being criticised for their purported radical beliefs and practices.
However, recent trends in local business investments have revealed that leaders and members of white garment churches have been exercising significant financial influence, investing in multimillion-dollar enterprises that surpass those of their counterparts in other denominations.
Taguta Stone Crushers, owned by Johane Marange Apostolic Church leader, Mutumwa Nimrod Taguta, recently opened its doors to clients in the construction sector.
The development effectively broke the long-standing monopoly in the stone crushing business in Manicaland, and significantly reduced the prices of construction materials on the market.
Taguta Stone Crushers’ foreman, Mr Whatmore Tivakudze said the company’s primary objective is to provide affordable solutions to the construction industry through competitive pricing.
“We have successfully established this US$2 million business entity to alleviate the financial burden on numerous Zimbabweans seeking to venture into construction. Our prices are nearly half the rates previously prevalent in Manicaland, enabling individuals and organisations to construct business offices, residential accommodations, and public properties at affordable rates,” he said.
Located on the outskirts of the city, along the Mutare-Chimanimani Highway, Taguta Stone Crushers produces high-quality products, including pure river sand, 19mm aggregate and 13mm aggregate concrete stone.
In addition to producing high-quality concrete stone and river sand, Taguta Stone Crushers have also ventured into brick moulding, leveraging their state-of-the-art machinery to facilitate massive production within a short timeframe.
The site is also producing domestic and industrial pavers.
Apart from their substantial investments in the construction sector, the Johane Marange Apostolic Church is actively working to establish schools nationwide, where members can access quality, affordable and equitable education while being imparted with the Christian doctrine.
The church’s secretary for education, Mr Cuthbert Rungwe, confirmed the development.
“We are making tremendous progress, with 21 schools already established in Manicaland alone. The church has set up a total of 49 primary schools and 11 secondary schools across the country.
“In fact, we have covered all of Zimbabwe’s provinces, with the exception of Bulawayo and Matabeleland South. This is our contribution to the country’s efforts to improve access to education for all,” said Mr Rungwe.
