Saul Maguta Mawewe, popularly known as Chikamba, was born around 1888 in the Danda area Pamupunga, Zaka District, Masvingo Province, Zimbabwe. His birth was significant, marking the end of a prolonged drought in the region. Chikamba descended from the esteemed Chin'ombe royal lineage from Gutu, with his father, Mawewe, being the son of Chikwichi of the Gumbo totem, Madyirapazhe Shona tribe. From Danda area he went to stay with other relatives in Musuka village before he relocated to Runinga and then Muchechetere Area (PaMudhumeni), and finally Matekwe Village where he established his Judea Headquarters. 

 

Early Life and Family

Chikamba's mother, VaRute Nee Nyama, faced complications during her pregnancy, as the Mawewe family had difficulties conceiving children, particularly boys. He grew up with many health problems. Despite these challenges, Chikamba grew up to be a man of strong spiritual convictions, often experiencing visions and dreams from a young age. He claimed to have seen God by the bush and demonstrated prophetic abilities, foretelling the coming of rains on several occasions.

 

Ministry and Legacy

Chikamba received formal education from missionaries and joined the Dutch Reformed Church from 1916 to 1918. However, due to his strong spiritual influence, he was eventually chased out of the church in 1919. It is then when he went to South Africa on foot together with his other friends for employment. On his way to South Africa (Pretoria) at Kwenane river (a small stream) while baptising people thats when he saw a dove flying overhead up and down the river which later became the nitch of the foundation of the future of Judea Zion Christian Church (Church yokwaChikamba). Later heard a voice instructing him to return to Rhodesia to accomplish God's task planted there. It is believed that the dove confirmed Chikamba's baptism at that river. He later around 1922 met Engenas Lekhagane who endorsed a spiritual mandate to return to Zimbabwe (then

Rhodesia) and spread the Gospel. On his arrival back home he was welcomed by the heavy rains, confirming God's presence. Many people were filled with the Holy Spirit. The sick were healed. Many were baptised. His calling aligned with the spiritual awakenings

of other indigenous leaders, who would also become

pillars in the African Independent Church movement.

Despite facing suppression under white colonial rule, which viewed indigenous-led

churches with suspicion and often hostility, Judea ZCC endured. Chikamba continued to spread the word of God, using his hunting skills to convert people to Christianity. He was known for his prophetic abilities and his commitment to his faith. Referencing from the 1945 incident in the Zion Christian Church in Bikita, this gave Chikamba a better position in the spiritual ministry.

Chikamba healed a baby who was born without neither male nor female organs. The family was referred to Saul by the local people after a medical Practitioner Dr Kennedy at Ndanga hospital proved to have no idea with the incident. Saul prayed and the baby's Organ proved to be that of a girl. He healed the sick and the mentally challenged.

 

Death and Significance

Chikamba died on December 1, 1979, at his homestead at Judea HQ, in the presence of his uncle, VaNyama singing the song "Umwe musi aive mauro."