By Edson Mapani/Simbarashe Sithole
Religious Zanu PF affiliate, Masowe for Ecomonic Development, (Masowe4ED), joined the nation in mourning the promotion to glory of the revered Archbishop Paul Mwazha, the leader and founder of Apostolic African Church(AAC).
He was 107.
In a heartfelt press statement inserted by the chairperson of Masowe4ED and leader of the Graspa Johane Masowe sect, Mr Onwell Vengesai, (Madzibaba Terbnage), Masowe4ED said they learnt with utmost sadness the untimely death of a towering and revered religious figure.
“It is with deep sorrow and reverence that Masowe for Economic Development(Masowe4ED) acknowledges the passing on of Archbishop Paul Mwazha of the Apostolic African Church(AAC), a towering figure in the history of apostolic faith and one of the most enduring pioneers of the white garment tradition in Zimbabwe.His departure marks the end of an era, yet his vision and teaching will continue to illuminate the path of Apostolic for generations to come.”
Masowe4ED noted that the life of Archbishop Paul Mwazha was anchored on faith, discipline and identity thus fostering a spirit of togetherness amongst believers.
“Archbishop Mwazha’s life was a testament of faith, discipline and cultural identity dignity. His establishment of the Apostolic African Church(AAC) and his commitment to the white garment dress code gave identity and spiritual cohesion and spiritual cohesion to the apostolic believers.”
Masowe4ED added the Archbishop Mwazha’s ideological grounding and beliefs upheld the virtues of humility, purity and communal worship becoming the foundation upon which other white garment movements such as Johane Masowe gained traction as it went beyond denominational boundaries.
Acknowledging his leadership acumen, Masowe4ED highlighted that this led to the preservation of “tsika dzeChipostori”, respect and tradition.
“Through his leadership, Mwazha’s apostolic churches preserved tsika dzeChipostori-the dignity, customs, and moral discipline that define the Vapostori way of life. His teaching emphasise the respect of tradition and unity among believers and the sanctity of spiritual service.These values remain central to the identity of Apostolic churches today and will continue to reinforce the beliefs of the white garment faithful. “.