Paul Mwazha, often called “Mutumwa” (meaning “messenger” in Shona), is a prominent Zimbabwean religious leader and founder of the African Apostolic Church (AAC). Born on October 25, 1918, in Chirumhanzu, Zimbabwe, Mwazha’s early life included a Roman Catholic upbringing and a strong academic foundation that led him to teaching. After a profound spiritual experience in 1951, he established the AAC in 1959, which has since grown significantly, boasting followers in Zimbabwe and beyond.
Under his leadership, Mwazha focused on interdenominational prayer and spiritual healing, which attracted a wide following. Known for his modesty and spiritual discipline, he avoided secular media and spent much of his life fostering a deeply rooted Christian community. Despite his advancing age, Mwazha remained active in ministry until recent years, when he began delegating responsibilities to family members. The AAC has faced succession disputes among Mwazha’s children, leading to legal conflicts and some fragmentation within the church, although it remains influential with millions of members worldwide.
Mwazha’s life reflects his commitment to both family and faith. He had a large family, was married to Joyce Makaonesu until her passing in 2017, and is known for instilling a value for education in his children, many of whom are prominent in their own right. His legacy as a pioneering African religious leader endures, especially in Zimbabwe, where his influence continues to shape Christian worship within the African Apostolic Church
