“Paul Mwazha was a Man Who Could Fast for More Than a Month, Surviving Only on Groundnuts,” Family spokesperson says
Ernest Paul Mamvura Mwazha, founder of the African Apostolic Church and a respected national hero, has been laid to rest in Chirasauta village, Chivhu, Mashonaland East.
The funeral was attended by numerous government officials, including Misheck Mugadza, the Minister of Manicaland Provincial Affairs.
Youth Minister Tinoda Machakaire spoke at the service, praising Mwazha as a unifying and peaceful leader.
He urged church members to stay together during this time of mourning, saying, “Our Father Paul Mwazha was a peaceful man. So, I am urging you relatives and friends, let’s remain united. What makes the church continue to grow is when you pray in peace. We are all under Paul Mwazha, so let’s respect our elders and be humble.”
Machakaire highlighted that, despite reports of internal conflicts and struggles for leadership within the church, Mwazha’s legacy should inspire unity and respect among followers.
Mwazha, who was 107 years old at the time of his passing, had reportedly lost some influence due to age, yet his death has intensified divisions within the church community.
“The work that was done by Paul Mwazha is the reason we are gathered here today. The government saw him as a shining star in doing God’s work and this is why the government conferred him with the hero status,” Machakaire added.
Family spokesperson Masimba Mwazha reflected on his father’s remarkable spirit, noting, “Our great father, Paul Mwazha, was an extraordinary man. He is the man who could fast for more than a month, surviving only on groundnuts. Even during the last days when he was sick, he would smile and say God is great.”
Itai Ndudzo, the Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs minister, attended as the chief mourner and conveyed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s condolences, stating, “He warned about divisions in the church. We say rest in peace, our national hero, spiritual guidance icon.
This is what President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sent me to say. Our father Paul Mwazha left a rich legacy and we should all fight to emulate him.”
As the community mourns, the call for unity within the church stands strong amidst a time of change.
*-NewsDay*
