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.

By Virginia Njovo

A sharp rise in road accident injuries is intensifying pressure on Zimbabwe’s already strained healthcare system. According to the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), road traffic-related injuries during the 2025 Easter and Independence holidays increased from 159 in 2024 to 178 this year.
The ZRP reported 384 road traffic accidents during the 2025 holidays, resulting in 24 fatalities—a slight decrease from 27 deaths in 2024. However, the number of accidents surged significantly from 286 the previous year.
National Police Spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi urged motorists to drive responsibly and adhere to traffic laws. “The ZRP emphasizes that drivers must stop, provide first aid, and report accidents to the police. We call on all road users to observe regulations to protect lives,” Nyathi said.
Tafadzwa Goliath, spokesperson for the Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ), highlighted the need for systemic change following a recent fatal crash near Harare-Chirundu that claimed six lives.
“PAZ urges authorities to prioritize road maintenance, improve driver training and licensing, and enforce traffic laws. Public awareness campaigns for all road users—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers—are critical,” Goliath said.
The influx of injuries is overwhelming hospitals already facing shortages of equipment, staff, and essential supplies.
A general practitioner at a major hospital, speaking anonymously, described the situation as dire.
“We’re doing our best, but the lack of resources makes it nearly impossible to manage effectively,” the doctor said.
In a recent incident in Mvuma, a man injured in a fatal crash was initially cleared by a local radiology center. Persistent pain led to his referral to Gweru Hospital, where doctors discovered severe internal injuries, highlighting gaps in initial assessments.
The nation also mourns the loss of beloved musician Tatenda Pinjisi, who died from injuries sustained in a crash that claimed four lives.
Witnesses reported that he passed away pleading for pain relief, a heartbreaking reminder of the healthcare system’s challenges.
As Zimbabwe confronts crises on its roads and in its hospitals, experts and advocates are calling for urgent, coordinated efforts to enhance road safety and strengthen emergency medical care.

By Tatiana Mhararira

Victoria Primary School continues to excel in modeling after another learner, Nothando Gugulethu Sibanda, was crowned First Princess at the Toto Miss Little Africa pageant held recently in Cairo, Egypt.
The seven-year-old earned the opportunity to represent Zimbabwe after winning the Toto Miss Africa Zimbabwe pageant in 2024.
Joy Mukisa from Uganda was crowned the 2025 queen, while Lethukula Makgotso Fakude from South Africa took second runner-up. Waishe Maverick from Zimbabwe won the Toto Mr Africa award.
Speaking to journalists at Charles Austin Theatre on April 24, 2025, Sibanda’s coach and manager, Tajae Mwenda, said she inspired and mentored her to reach this level.
“This achievement reflects passion, perseverance, and dedication. Nothando was inspired by my own modeling journey. She often joined me at rehearsals, watching me walk the stage with wide eyes and a curious heart. As I pursued my dreams, she learned and grew alongside me.
“When her moment came, she shone, first as Miss Victoria Primary School, then as Toto Miss Africa Zimbabwe in 2024, proving that with hard work and support, anything is possible,” Mwenda said.
Mwenda added that financial challenges were significant but thanked those who helped.
“Fundraising for the Egypt trip was tough. We faced setbacks from institutions we expected to support us, but we stayed determined. Sibanda’s family showed remarkable resilience, sacrificing greatly to make her dream a reality. We’re grateful to friends and the community who contributed, no matter how small. Your generosity meant everything,” she said.
Community member Tinashe Mutoti expressed pride in Sibanda and urged parents to nurture their children’s talents.
“Sibanda has raised the name of her family, school, town, and nation by winning this award. I encourage parents to support their children’s interests. When a child shows passion, parents should motivate them. Sibanda’s success shows what’s possible with support,” Mutoti said.
Sibanda will hold the crown until 2026 and is currently leading the Disability Pride Project, appealing for donations to buy winter uniforms for children with disabilities.
Victoria Primary’s former pupil, Dillish Masango, made history at last year’s pageant in Nigeria, winning three awards: Miss Popularity, Miss Smile, and Miss Toto Africa Second Runner-Up.
Those wishing to assist with donations can contact Tajae at 0786872606 or Tandiwe at 0773905115.