By Virginia Njovo
Dr. Ofiro Mawewe, Bishop of ZCC Judea and spiritual leader of the church, passed away on March 16, 2024, at the age of 77. A visionary and devoted servant of his faith, Dr. Mawewe left a legacy of leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to his community.
Born on June 17, 1952, in Ndanga, he was the only son of the late Rev. Saul Maguta Mawewe, founder of ZCC Judea Church in 1938.
Growing up during Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, he served as a distinguished war collaborator, delivering prophetic messages and humanitarian support to freedom fighters alongside his father.
Following his father’s death in 1979, Dr. Mawewe assumed leadership of the church, becoming a cornerstone of spiritual and social development for decades.
As head of ZCC Judea, Dr. Mawewe fostered the church’s growth, expanding its reach across Zimbabwe and internationally, with branches in Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, Botswana, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Poland.
Under his stewardship, the church grew from 500,000 to over 1.5 million members.
Dr. Mawewe’s contributions extended beyond the pulpit. A committed philanthropist and educator, he funded school fees for orphans, established mission schools, and actively participated in Zimbabwe’s land reform program.
On Dawlish Farm in Manjirenji, he founded primary and secondary mission schools and was developing plans for a hospital and vocational training center at the time of his death.
In recognition of his lifelong service, he received an honorary doctorate from a South African university in 2017 and was declared a Provincial Liberation Hero by the President of Zimbabwe.
“He had a big heart. My father was not only a religious leader but also a key figure in education and a tireless supporter of the liberation struggle,” said his son and successor, Reverend Emmanuel Mawewe.
A prolific writer, Dr. Mawewe authored several books on the history of indigenous churches. His son published a biography in tribute, titled From a Woodcutter to a Hero.
He is survived by his wife, six children, and 18 grandchildren.
Dr. Mawewe was laid to rest on March 30, 2024, at his homestead in Matekwe Village, Chief Ndanga, at the Judea Headquarters in Zaka District.
The burial followed two weeks of national mourning, during which congregants and communities reflected on the life of “a General of God,” as he was often called.
