Archbishop Paul Mwazha Dies At 107: A Spiritual Titan Falls
Article By: Oudney Patsika - Pastors Toolbox Staff
BREAKING: Thursday, November 20, 2025
The spiritual landscape of the nation has been forever altered. Archbishop Ernest Paul Mamvura Mwazha, the revered founder and leader of the African Apostolic Church (AAC), has died. The "Messenger" (Mutumwa), a centenarian whose life bridged the gap between colonial Rhodesia and modern Zimbabwe, was 107 years old.
A Solemn Announcement
The task of informing the church and the world fell to Bishop Jeshua Mhizha, the General Secretary of the African Apostolic Church. In a statement released this morning, he confirmed the immense loss:
"Good morning! The African Apostolic Church, Va Apostora ve Africa. I regret to inform you that Our Archbishop, Paul Mwazha of Africa our church leader has just passed on today, November 20, 2025."
Bishop Mhizha emphasized that while the community has lost its physical shepherd, his spirit remains a guiding force. "He has departed from us but in spirit we are together with him."
The statement concluded with a directive to turn grief into praise, using the Shona vernacular: "Kudzai Jehovah, Kudzai Jehovah! (Praise Jehovah, Praise Jehovah!)". This serves as a command to the faithful to honour their leader’s memory through worship.
Raised for a Mission
Born on October 25, 1918, at Holy Cross Mission in Chirumanzu, Mwazha's life began with a miracle that defined his theology. Initially named Mamvura ("child of water"), he fell ill with severe influenza as an infant and was presumed dead.
His mother, Saramina, rushed him to Father Schmidt, a German Roman Catholic missionary, for a final baptism. Church accounts state that immediately after being baptized 'Paul', he returned to life. Witnesses exclaimed, "Mwana amutsirwe basa" — "The child has been raised for a mission."
His mission crystallized in 1940 while teaching at Howard Institute. Mwazha reported a vision where he saw the inscription "Recreation of Africa" written in the sky. Following a spiritual revival in the Methodist church, he founded the African Apostolic Church (AAC) in 1959, blending Christian doctrine with African tradition.
The End of an Era
Archbishop Mwazha leaves behind a church of over 7 million followers, known for their white garments and strict adherence to his teachings. He was a figure of immense moral authority, famously vowing not to trim his beard since the church's founding.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Makaonesu Mwazha (died 2017), and is survived by his children, including Bishops Masimba, Tawanda, and Albert.
His passing at 107 marks the closing of a significant chapter in the nation’s religious history. The church must now navigate a new reality without its founder, a transition complicated by recent legal disputes regarding succession. However, today the focus remains solely on the indomitable spirit of the man who built the AAC.
The church has assured followers that details regarding funeral arrangements will be communicated in the coming days.
Quick Facts: Mutumwa Paul Mwazha
Archbishop Mwazha passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025.
He was 107 years old. He was born on October 25, 1918.
While succession has been a matter of legal dispute in recent years involving his sons (such as Alfred Kushamisa Mwazha), the church constitution and High Court rulings had affirmed Paul Mwazha as leader for life. The church leadership will likely announce the way forward after the mourning period.
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