Story by ZBC Reporter
African Apostolic Church leader Archbishop Paul Mwazha has died. He was 107 years.
A giant has fallen, and his departure is greatly felt in Zimbabwe and beyond the borders.
Archbishop Paul Mwazha died early Thursday morning, marking the end of a spiritual journey that shaped the faith and lives of thousands across Africa over nearly a century.
Widely regarded as one of the most influential religious figures in Zimbabwe, Archbishop Mwazha built a ministry grounded in humility, service and a deep commitment to Christian doctrine. His followers knew him as Mutumwa, a messenger whose teachings and counsel resonated far beyond his generation.
His grandson, Sabastian Mwazha, described the Archbishop as a man whose life was centred on service rather than position or material gain.
“He took time to hear people’s stories. He took time to pray. His telephone was always available. Any member, anywhere in the world, could phone. Not only members, but heads of state would also come.
“He had friends in all places. He was a commissioner. He was a servant to all. He lived a very humble life. This house that we are speaking in today, he bought in 1978 when he was still working for himself. So, he was not there to amass wealth.
“At no point was he preaching a religion of the present time. His eye, his focus, his mission, his teaching was always of a coming kingdom and a coming Christ… his message was Christ. It was always Christ-centred.”
Sabastian added that the family is grateful for the years they shared with him and extended condolences to church members worldwide.
Born on 25 October 1918 at Holy Cross Mission in Chirumanzu, Archbishop Mwazha trained as a teacher before dedicating his life to ministry. Bishop Joshua Mhizha, Secretary-General of the African Christian Church and a long-time colleague, said the Archbishop earned the title Mudzidzisi, the teacher, through decades of offering spiritual guidance and resolving family disputes.
“He grew up in Njanja, did his high school, and later trained at Howard Mission before teaching at Kwenda Circuit and Sadza School. He was very instrumental in assisting people with spiritual problems and also resolving marriages,” Bishop Mhizha said.
Across congregations, the grief is evident as thousands mourn the passing of a man many considered a spiritual father and guide.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be finalised, with the family indicating that the process may take several days to allow for a longer period of mourning.
Archbishop Mwazha leaves behind a legacy deeply woven into Zimbabwe’s religious landscape, a legacy rooted in faith, service, and an unwavering message of peace.
