YOUTH minister Tinoda Machakaire yesterday said the national hero and leader of the African Apostolic Church, Ernest Paul Mamvura Mwazha, was a peaceful church leader, urging church members to remain united.
Machakaire made the remarks yesterday at the burial of Mwazha in Chirasauta village in Chivhu, Mashonaland East province.
Mwazha's burial was attended by several government officials, including Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Misheck Mugadza.
Chief mourner and guest of honour, Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs minister and Zanu PF Hwedza North legislator, Itai Ndudzo, was among the thousands who attended the burial.
Machakaire's remarks came amid reports that some senior church members are already fighting for the throne.
Although Mwazha (107) had reportedly lost influence in decision-making due to old age, his death has reportedly escalated divisions in the church.
“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 said.
“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.”
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Family spokesperson Masimba Mwazha said the late religious leader was an extraordinary man.
“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.
“Paul warned about divisions in the church, said Ndudzo, who was sent by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to express his last respects. He (Mwazha) was a child raised in a Christian family. 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,” he said.
