Online Reporter
Victor Maphosa
Recently in Ngundu, Masvingo
Zion Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe’s Bishop Jason Jeremiah Mugari Shava, who died on March 25 2025, after a long illness, was buried at the church’s Jeru Headquarters in Ngundu, Masvingo Province over the weekend.
Bishop Shava died at his home in Mundingi Village under Chief Shindi in Masvingo after a long illness.
He was 87.
Mourners gathered at the church headquarters to pay their last respects to the revered bishop, with many testifying to the Godly works he was conducting in the community.
The Government accorded him liberation hero status for his immense contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation war.
Speaking on behalf of the Shava family, Mr Justice Shava said the death of their father has left the family devastated and with a void that will be hard to fill.
He said their father was a loving man, a teacher, a comforter and a man who feared God.
“As a family, we have lost a great man. This is a difficult moment for us and the church as a whole,” he said.
“He was a man who instilled a sense of hard work in all of us. He taught us to be self-reliant; he told us to use our hands and earn a decent living. He taught everyone including youths to use their hands to earn a living.
“He was a man who loved discipline, he taught us to be self-disciplined. As a family, we are saddened by this huge loss. We pray that another great man will come up and lead the church and the family.”
“We want to thank President Mnangagwa for the (liberation) hero status given to our father. We never expected our father to be bestowed with hero status. We are so humbled by this and the whole family is grateful.”
ZION Church Archbishop Jameson Pedzisai, popularly known as Archbishop Andreas the Third, said the death of Bishop Shava was a blow to the church.
“He had a large following, and the flock has been left without its shepherd, especially now that we are about to celebrate the Easter holidays,” he said.
“This is hard for the church. Our wish is for the church to remain united as they look for a successor. The Bishop was hardworking and a unifier.
“We pray that the one who is going to be a successor will also be a disciplined person and a unifier just like the late Bishop Shava.
“We also want to thank the Government for the hero status. You see, Bishop Shava supported the ruling party wholeheartedly. He supported Government programmes in this community and he commanded a lot of respect from everyone.
“To the Shava family, we are with you in our prayers and our wish is for you to be comforted and also to remain united,” he said.
Bishop Shava left behind three wives, 26 children, 75 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.
