In a landmark national announcement that has resonated across Zimbabwe, the revered leader of the African Apostolic Church, Mutumwa Apostle Paul Mwazha, has been declared a national hero. The conferment was officially made public by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, marking one of the most high-profile recognitions of a religious figure in the country’s history. At 107, Apostle Mwazha now joins an elite group of Zimbabweans whose contributions to national life have earned them a place among the country’s most honoured figures.
The announcement was delivered through a statement by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana. In a brief but powerful message shared on social media, Mangwana wrote: “MUTUMWA APOSTLE MWAZHA, A NATIONAL HERO. His Excellency President E.D. Mnangagwa has conferred National Hero status upon Mutumwa Apostle Paul Mwazha. Burial arrangements will be announced and guided by the family.” The message quickly spread, sparking widespread public reaction and drawing attention to the significance of this particular conferment.
Political analysts note that President Mnangagwa’s decision continues a trend that has become characteristic of his administration — the expansion of hero status criteria to include influential Zimbabweans from beyond the political arena. While the honour has always been associated with national service, Mnangagwa has pushed for a more inclusive interpretation, recognising contributions in religion, arts, business, and social development. This approach marks a clear departure from earlier eras, especially the tenure of the late former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe.
Zimbabwe Declares Mutumwa Paul Mwazha a National Hero
Under Mugabe’s leadership, national hero status was largely awarded to liberation war veterans, ZANU-PF stalwarts, and political heavyweights, although there were exceptions. The designation was closely linked to political affiliation and contributions to the liberation struggle, with the National Heroes Acre in Harare becoming a symbol of revolutionary legacy. Though highly respected figures from other sectors occasionally received recognition, such instances were comparatively rare.
Mnangagwa’s administration, however, has broadened the scope to reflect a more diverse national identity. This shift is seen as a deliberate effort to acknowledge the evolving tapestry of Zimbabwean society, where contributions to culture, spirituality, and social cohesion have become increasingly valued. The inclusion of Apostle Mwazha, a towering figure in the religious sphere, reinforces this recalibrated national philosophy.
Apostle Mwazha’s life and work have left an indelible mark on Zimbabwe. As the founder and leader of the African Apostolic Church, he built one of the largest indigenous church movements in the region. Known affectionately as “Mutumwa,” meaning “Messenger,” Mwazha cultivated a ministry that emphasised discipline, unity, spiritual renewal, and moral uprightness. Through decades of leadership, he established the church as a powerful religious and social institution, attracting followers from all corners of Zimbabwe as well as neighbouring countries.
His teachings, characterised by simplicity and devotion, influenced generations of believers and shaped religious discourse in the country. Many of his followers credit him not only with spiritual guidance but also with fostering community cohesion, promoting African identity in worship, and encouraging social responsibility. Even in advanced age, his symbolic presence remained central to the faith of millions, with annual pilgrimages and gatherings underscoring his unmatched influence.
The announcement of his national hero status has been met with widespread celebration within the African Apostolic Church, where members expressed deep gratitude for what they view as overdue national recognition. Many congregants described the decision as a reflection of the immense impact Apostle Mwazha had on the moral fabric of Zimbabwean society. Social media platforms were also flooded with tributes, highlighting how the clergyman’s life had inspired not only believers but also secular audiences who admired his humility and leadership.
The conferment now clears the path for Apostle Mwazha to be buried at the National Heroes Acre, a sacred site reserved for Zimbabwe’s most distinguished individuals. While the government has confirmed this possibility, officials have emphasised that the final arrangements will be guided by the Mwazha family. Details regarding the burial are expected to be announced in the coming days as consultations continue between the State and the family.
For many Zimbabweans, Apostle Mwazha’s elevation to national hero status represents more than a personal honour — it signifies a maturing national narrative that acknowledges diverse forms of service. As the nation reflects on his legacy, the recognition serves as a reminder of the profound influence religious leaders have had on shaping Zimbabwe’s social and moral landscape.
Source- iHarare
