By Staff ReporterCHIVI – The Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ) has elected a new leadership team, known as the Moderamen, at the ongoing 34th Synod Assembly being held at Chibi Mission.
The Moderamen is the term used for the church’s executive committee when it consists entirely of men; when women are included, it is referred to as the Moderature.
The newly elected Moderamen comprises Rev Dr Ezekiel Baloyi as Moderator, Rev Dr Simbarashe Munamati as Vice Moderator, Rev Lovemore Mashamba as General Secretary, Rev Sheunesu Makonese as Vice General Secretary, Rev Junias Zibako as Actuary, Adv Samuel Banda as Synod Secretary, Eng Tinayeshe Mutazu as Vice Synod Secretary, and Mr George Chitsika as Treasurer.
Notably, the Moderator, General Secretary, and Treasurer were not subject to election at this Assembly. The Moderator serves a four-year term, while the General Secretary has a six-year term, and both are currently serving their final two years.
They will be eligible for re-election at the next Synod Assembly. The Treasurer, Mr George Chitsika, is a technocrat employed on a five-year contract based on his qualifications and expertise.
The difference in terms of office is designed to ensure continuity in the church’s leadership.
The Moderator, upon election, automatically becomes the Chancellor of the Reformed Church University, and the five-year term was established to align with the university council’s tenure.
Rev Dr Ezekiel Baloyi, the new Moderator, is a minister of the Word and Sacraments in the RCZ and a lecturer in Systematic Theology, Ecumenical Theology, and Ecclesiology at the Reformed Church University. He holds a PhD in Theology from North-West University in South Africa.
His research interests focus on Church government, the doctrine of the church, and historical development. He has previously served as a Research Fellow at the University of the Free State.
Rev Dr Baloyi has been actively involved in commissioning new church infrastructure and leading significant church events.
Rev Dr Simbarashe Munamati, the new Vice Moderator, holds a PhD in Religion, Gender, and Development. He serves as the Principal of Murray Theological College in Morgenster and is a Dean at the Reformed Church University.
A widely published international presenter, his research spans theological education, public health, gender, and community development.Rev Lovemore Mashamba, the General Secretary, is an ordained RCZ minister. He previously served as Vice General Secretary.
Rev Sheunesu Makonese, the new Vice General Secretary, was previously the Vice General Secretary of the church.Adv Samuel Banda, the new Synod Secretary, and Eng Tinayeshe Mutazu, the new Vice Synod Secretary, bring their professional expertise to the church’s administrative leadership.
