The Life of a Messenger: A Definitive Biography of Mutumwa Paul Mwazha
Sona Reporter | Sona Headlines & Sona Solar Zimbabwe
Ernest Paul Mamvura Mwazha, known affectionately to millions as Mutumwa, stands as one of Zimbabwe's most enduring and influential religious figures. As he reaches the remarkable milestone of 107 years, his life, marked by miraculous events and unwavering devotion, continues to inspire and shape one of the largest indigenous churches in the nation.
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| Ernest Paul Mamvura Mwazha |
A Miraculous Birth and Divine Calling
Born on October 25, 1918, at Holy Cross Mission in Chirumanzu, his life began with an extraordinary event. Initially named Mamvura ("child of water") due to his poor health, he contracted severe influenza and was presumed dead. In a desperate act of faith, his mother Saramina rushed him to Father Schmidt, a German Roman Catholic missionary, for baptism and last rites. According to church accounts, immediately following his baptism as Paul, he miraculously returned to life. Witnesses reportedly exclaimed in Shona, "Mwana amutsirwe basa" — "The child has been raised for a mission."
His spiritual journey continued with a series of profound visions. At age 12, he had a vision of a man in a white garment revealing mysteries about God. In 1934, while in Standard Two, he dreamt of the Lord Jesus Christ flanked by angels. A pivotal vision occurred in 1940 while he was a teacher at Howard Institute, where he saw the inscription "recreation of Africa" in the sky, a message that would become the motto of his ministry.
The African Apostolic Church (AAC)
Following a spiritual revival in the Methodist church in 1953, Mwazha received a direct command to establish his own church. The African Apostolic Church (AAC) was officially founded in 1959. As an African-initiated church, it blends Western Christian thought with African traditions, valuing customs such as marriage and hierarchy. The AAC is known for its strict rules, including refraining from yeast products and certain forms of entertainment, and its members are recognizable by their spotless white gowns.
From its humble beginnings, the AAC has grown to become one of the largest indigenous churches in Zimbabwe, with an estimated following of over 7 million congregants across Southern Africa and beyond, including branches in the UK and USA. The church has historically maintained a close relationship with Zimbabwe's ruling party, Zanu-PF, adding a layer of political complexity to its social influence.
Legacy and Controversy
Mutumwa Mwazha was married to the late Joyce Makaonesu Mwazha, who passed away in 2017. Together they had five children, including Masimba, Tawanda, and Albert. His sons are all bishops within the church, reflecting his attempt to establish a dynastic religious institution. He has maintained a modest personal life, famously vowing not to trim his beard since the church's founding.
In recent years, the church has been embroiled in ongoing legal and family disputes over Mwazha's succession. In 2020, a faction attempted to install one of his sons, Alfred Kushamisa Mwazha, as the new leader. The High Court nullified this appointment, confirming that the AAC's constitution stipulates Mwazha will remain leader during his lifetime. Despite this, rival factions continue to emerge and vie for power, a struggle that is likely to continue after his passing.
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| Ernest Paul Mamvura Mwazha |
Frequently Asked Questions
His followers refer to him as "Mutumwa," a Shona word meaning "angelic messenger".
Born on October 25, 1918, Mutumwa Paul Mwazha celebrated his 107th birthday in October 2025.
According to church accounts, he was presumed dead from influenza as an infant and allegedly came back to life immediately after his baptism, leading witnesses to declare he was "raised for a mission."
His sons and other church leaders have engaged in legal battles over who should succeed him. The High Court has reaffirmed that Archbishop Mwazha is the rightful leader during his lifetime and has nullified unconstitutional succession attempts.
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