Paul Mwazha
Paul Mwazha | |
|---|---|
Mwazha in 2017 | |
| Born | 25 October 1918 Holy Cross Mission, Chirumanzu, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) |
| Died | 20 November 2025 (aged 107) |
| Education | Qualified Teacher |
| Alma mater | Howard Teaching Institute |
| Occupation | Clergyman |
| Known for | Leader of The African Apostolic Church |
| Children | 7 |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Church | The African Apostolic Church, VaApostora veAfrica |
Congregations served | Apostolic |
| Title | Archbishop |
Ernest Paul Mamvura Mwazha (25 October 1918 – 20 November 2025) was a Zimbabwean clergyman. His followers refer to him as Mutumwa,[1] which translates to "angelic messenger" in Shona. He was the founder and leader of the African Apostolic Church.
Early life
Mwazha was born on 25 October 1918[2] at Holy Cross Mission, in Chirumhanzu District, near Mvuma, in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe.[3]
At birth, Mwazha was named Mamvura by his mother, Saramina. He was later renamed Paul in accordance with the Catholic tradition of assigning newly baptized children Christian name.[4]
Mwazha was reportedly baptized by Father Schmidt, a German Roman Catholic missionary. Shortly after his birth,[5] he became seriously ill with influenza and was presumed dead.[6] This led to a rushed baptism, during which he was given the last rites before burial.
According to accounts from the African Apostolic Church, immediately after his baptism, Paul allegedly came back to life. Witnesses, including Father Schmidt and the gathered congregation, were said to be filled with the Holy Spirit and reportedly exclaimed in Shona, "Mwana amutsirwe basa, mwana amutsirwe basa, mwana amutsirwe basa," which loosely translates to 'the child has been raised for a mission.'[7]
Mwazha began attending Roman Catholic Catechism classes at the age of 11. After completing his education at a Methodist Church school, he joined the Methodist Church and became a teacher.[8]
Mission
In 1953, Mwazha participated in a spiritual revival led by an evangelist group from the Methodist church. Interdenominational prayer sessions during this revival led to him forming the African Apostolic Church.[9] His church is estimated to have over 7 million congregants.[10] The African Apostolic Church has a dress code,[11] and The Herald noted that he maintained a modest personal life for almost 56 years. He did not trim his beard, from the time he took a vow when he founded the church.[12]
Devotees of the African Apostolic Church often call him NHUME or Mutumwa, meaning 'God's messenger'.[13] He was consulted by elders in Zimbabwe to pray for a community that has suffered from a wave of murders and heinous crimes.[14]
Controversies
In 2020, members of the church took legal action against Mwazha's plans to name one of his sons, Bishop Alfred Mwazha, as the next leader of the church. The High Court nullified the appointment, and church representatives said they did not recognize actions taken by Bishop Alfred Mwazha in his purported capacity as head of the church.[15]
Personal life and death
Paul Mwazha was married to Joyce Makaonesu Mwazha, who died of diabetes in April 2017, at the age of 79.[16] They had seven children, sixteen grandchildren, and at least three great-grandchildren.[17][16] Mwazha's sons are all bishops and part of the church's leadership.[18]
Zimbabwe's main opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa, visited Mwazha's homestead in Harare to congratulate him on reaching 101 years of age in October 2019.[19]
Mwazha died on 20 November 2025, at the age of 107.[20][21]
References
- ^ "Paul Mwazha". Pindula. Retrieved 1 September 2019.
- ^ "Apostle Paul Mwazha turns 100". DailynewsLIVE. Archived from the original on 2019-08-26. Retrieved 1 September 2019.
- ^ "Paul Mwazha: 100 not out". The Herald. Retrieved 1 September 2019.
- ^ "Code of Canon Law - Book IV - Function of the Church (Cann. 834-878)". Vatican.va. Retrieved 2025-03-19.
- ^ Pindula is a Zimbabwean online Tabloid
- ^ "Paul Mwazha". Pindula. Retrieved 1 September 2019.
- ^ "Mutumwa Mwazha soldiers on at 99". The Sunday Mail. Retrieved 1 September 2019.
- ^ "Mwazha: Decades on mission". The Herald. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
- ^ "'Give us a signal Mwazha'". The Herald. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
- ^ "Paul Mwazha @100 years: The Amazing testimonies". Bulawayo24 News. Retrieved 1 September 2019.
Meanwhile, the Church commands a glaring following which is estimated above 7 million,
- ^ "'Give us a signal Mwazha'". The Herald. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
- ^ "Mwazha: Decades on mission". The Herald. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
- ^ "Paul Mwazha and testimonies". The Manica Post. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
- ^ "Peace returns to Domboshava". The Standard. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
- ^ ‘’New Zimbabwe’’, Retrieved 2023-04-03
- ^ a b "Mutumwa Mwazha's wife dies". The Herald. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
- ^ "Paul Mwazha turns 100". ZBC. October 25, 2018. Retrieved 1 September 2019.
- ^ "Power hungry mapostori abandon communion?". The Sunday Mail. Retrieved 13 September 2019.
- ^ "PHOTOS: Chamisa meets Paul Mwazha". Bulawayo24NEWS. Retrieved 28 October 2019.
- ^ Archbishop Paul Mwazha dies
- ^ "Mwazha dies aged 107". New Zimbabwe. 2025-11-20. Retrieved 2025-10-11.