Zimbabwe recently held a nationwide commemoration of Archbishop Ezekiel Handinawangu Guti, the revered founder of the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA) Forward in Faith Ministries International, marking a powerful reflection on the impact of a man whose life transcended the pulpit and shaped the moral and social foundations of the nation.
As thousands gathered in Harare and various ZAOGA assemblies across the globe, the commemorations served as a spiritual and national moment of reflection. The event was not only a tribute to a centenarian who served the Lord faithfully for over 80 years but also a celebration of the values of unity, integrity, self-reliance, and development which he embodied and taught.
Archbishop Guti, born in 1923 in Chipinge, defied historical limitations to become one of the most influential church leaders in Africa. From starting the ZAOGA church under a gum tree in Bindura, he went on to build a ministry that now spans 169 countries with thousands of congregations, institutions, and millions of followers. His unique blend of evangelical fervor and pragmatic development set him apart, not just as a spiritual leader, but as a nation-builder and visionary.
The commemorative activities were marked by a diversity of events, from worship services and gospel concerts to outreach programs and a national walkathon, all held under the theme of celebrating a life well-lived. At the National Sports Stadium, a grand gathering of believers, civic leaders, government officials, and international guests bore testimony to the magnitude of Archbishop Guti’s influence.
A notable moment in the celebrations was the reaffirmation of his National Hero status by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who described the late archbishop as “a spiritual giant whose impact on Zimbabwe’s faith and national development will forever remain unmatched.” The conferment of such a high honor on a religious leader underscores the value of faith-based contributions to nation-building in Zimbabwe’s socio-political space.
Beyond the pulpit, Archbishop Guti championed practical empowerment. Through the “matarenda” (talents) program, he encouraged his followers to pursue entrepreneurship, skill development, and financial independence, aligning with national goals of economic resilience. Institutions such as the Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University and Mbuya Dorcas Hospital stand today as living monuments of his passion for education and healthcare accessibility.
Archbishop Guti’s teachings on morality, discipline, peace, and family values have been instrumental in anchoring communities in times of crisis. At a time when Zimbabwe and the broader region face complex socio-economic challenges, his life offers a blueprint for how faith leaders can participate in creating progressive, peaceful, and prosperous societies.
Laid to rest at the sacred “mountain of miracles” in Bindura, where he first preached in 1960, his final resting place is now both a spiritual and national heritage site. For ZAOGA and the nation at large, this mountain stands not only as a symbol of divine encounter but also of vision, perseverance, and legacy.
In remembering Archbishop Ezekiel Guti, Zimbabwe is not simply celebrating a church founder, it is affirming a legacy of spiritual leadership intertwined with national transformation. His story continues to inspire generations to pursue faith with action, vision with integrity, and leadership with humility.
As the commemorations came to a close, one message rang louder than the rest: that the seeds planted by Archbishop Guti will continue to bear fruit, not only in churches but in classrooms, hospitals, homes, and policy. He was not just a preacher of the gospel, he was a prophet of purpose, a teacher of wisdom, and a father of a nation.
