FOUNDATION
The Church was founded by Rev. Saul Maguta “Chikamba” Mawewe, of the Chin'ombe lineage.He was born around 1888 in Ndanga District’s Danda area. 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.
He joined the Dutch Reformed Church but was later dismissed for initiating spiritual encounters beyond orthodox norms and he was led to South Africa.
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.
Returning to Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia), he preached at various centers until 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:
He was subjected to forced labour on the Masvingo–Chiredzi road and frequently harassed, arrested, and tortured by Rhodesian forces. Before his death, he prophesied the Zimbabwe independence.
He died on 1 December 1979, just before Zimbabwe’s independence.
Consolidation and Expansion under Dr. Ofiro Mawewe (1979–2024)
After Rev. Mawewe’s passing, leadership transitioned to his only son, Dr. Ofiro Mawewe (Chikamba II), born on 17 June 1946. He inherited both the pulpit and the burden of guiding the church during a turbulent era.
Key Achievements:
He expanded the Church beyond the borders establishing branches in South Africa, Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana, the UK, Australia, Poland.
He acquired Dawlish Farm in Chiredzi through the land reform programme, where he established the Church’s Mission Centre with government accredited primary and secondary schools with future plans for a hospital and vocational training centre.
At the Muchechetere HQ, he initiated construction of a 10,000-seater Cathedral.
Recognition and Legacy
- In recognition of his spiritual and philanthropic work, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate (South Africa, 2017).
- He passed away on 16 March 2024 and was laid to rest at the Church’s Holy Shrine after two weeks of national mourning.
- He was declared a Provincial Liberation Hero by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
- His life story, "From a Woodcutter to a Hero", was documented by his sons.
Present: (Chikamba III)
- 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.
