Faith Amidst Adversity
Founding and Early Years (1888–1979)
Rev. Saul Maguta “Chikamba” Mawewe, born around 1888 in Ndanga District’s Danda area, was of the esteemed Chin’ombe royal lineage. His birth coincided with the end of a long drought, and from an early age he experienced dreams and visions that marked his spiritual calling.
Spiritual Formation: He joined the Dutch Reformed Church but was later dismissed for initiating spiritual encounters beyond orthodox norms.
Divine Encounter: While in South Africa, he experienced a life-changing baptism of the Holy Spirit at the Kwenane River, which set him on a path to found the Judea Zion Christian Church.
Mission Work: Returning to Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia), he finally established the church headquarters at Muchechetere Village and opened Zivavose School in Zaka.
Despite colonial hostility toward African-led churches, Rev. Mawewe persisted. His ministry became intertwined with Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle:
Persecution: He was forced into labour on the Masvingo–Chiredzi road and frequently harassed, arrested, and tortured by Rhodesian forces.
Liberation Activities and Symbolism: He supported the Liberation struggle through food and clothing to fighters. He also interceded and prayed for individual freedom fighters and the nation at large.
Before his death, he prophesied black freedom and His death on 1 December 1979, just before Zimbabwe’s independence is remembered by many as a spiritual marker for the end of the Second Chimurenga war.
Consolidation and Expansion under Dr. Ofiro Mawewe (1979–2024)
After Rev. Mawewe’s passing, leadership transitioned to his only son, Dr. Ofiro Mawewe, born on 17 June 1946. He inherited both the pulpit and the burden of guiding the church during a turbulent era.
Key Achievements:
Church Growth: Expanded the Church into a regional and international church with branches in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana, the UK, Australia, Poland, and beyond.
Mission Centre: Acquired Dawlish Farm in Chiredzi through the land reform programme, where he established the Church’s Mission Centre with schools and future plans for a hospital and vocational training centre.
Education: Built government-accredited primary and secondary schools; supported orphans by paying school fees.
Infrastructure: Initiated construction of a 15,000-seat Cathedral at Muchechetere HQ, envisioned Chikamba High School, and laid plans for a hospital and vocational centre.
Recognition and Legacy
- Declared a Provincial Liberation Hero by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
- Awarded an Honorary Doctorate (South Africa, 2017).
- His life story, From a Woodcutter to a Hero, was documented by his sons.
- Passed away on 16 March 2024 and was laid to rest at the Church’s Holy Shrine after two weeks of national mourning.
Present and Future: Bishop Emmanuel Mawewe (2025–Present)
- In April 2025, leadership transitioned to Bishop Reverend Emmanuel Mawewe (Chikamba III) born on the 7th of September 1977, who carries forward the spiritual mantle with renewed vision for outreach, infrastructure development, and global partnerships.
