Patience Gondo
Archbishop Paul Mwazha, founder and leader of the African Apostolic Church, has died at the age of 107.
He passed away on Thursday, November 20, 2025, according to an official statement released by the church’s headquarters.
The announcement was made by Bishop Jeshua Mhizha, the General Secretary of the African Apostolic Church.
Confirming the news, he wrote, “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 assured church members that although the archbishop is no longer physically present, his spiritual influence remains.
“He has departed from us but in spirit we are together with him,” he said.
The church said further details on funeral arrangements and subsequent processes will be communicated in due course.
Archbishop Mwazha was widely regarded as a major figure in African independent Christianity.
Over several decades, he built a large following and became known for his spiritual leadership and commitment to guiding the church he founded.
Mwazha, widely known as the founder of the African Apostolic Church (VaApostora veAfrica), is one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent indigenous church leaders.
Born in 1918 at HolyCrossMission in Chirumanzu District in what was then colonial Rhodesia, Mwazha grew up in a Christian family and became active in missionary education and church work from a young age.
He later founded the African Apostolic Church in the 1950s–60s, establishing a movement that blended strict Christian doctrine with African spiritual identity at a time when local churches were emerging alongside colonial missionary institutions.
Under his leadership, the church expanded nationwide and into the region, gaining a reputation for strong moral teachings, distinctive white garments and disciplined worship practices.
Mwazha became known for his longevity, modest lifestyle and unwavering leadership role within the church even in advanced age. His followers widely regarded him as a spiritual icon whose influence reached beyond his congregation.
With his passing, the African Apostolic Church faces a historic transition after more than six decades under the same leader.
The church said further announcements will follow regarding succession and official mourning.
Professionally, Mwazha was a school teacher before becoming the renowned clergyman he became.