By Maxwell Haitengeswinyika Teedzai
BEITBRIDGE—The Beitbridge 2025 Round-up Interface concluded yesterday, gathering Church Districts from across Matabeleland South Province for a major ecclesiastical review. Archbishop Dr Andby Makururu used the platform to prove that the J5 African Apostolic Church is one of the largest spiritual bodies in the Great Republic of Zimbabwe. The leadership projected that the organization is on a trajectory to become the most influential fellowship in the SADC Region by 2030, a growth that aligns with the impactful leadership of HE, President Dr Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa.
The current scale of the ministry is reflected in its global data, with the Church now overseeing 3.3 million followers worldwide. Within the Great Republic of Zimbabwe, the organization maintains 2,000 assemblies, with a clear target to reach 4,000 by next year. Dr Makururu stated, “In J5 of Africa in the Great Republic of Zimbabwe has 2,000 assemblies, and next year I am expecting 3,000 assemblies in SADC.” This indicates an annual assembly growth rate of 100 percent. The ministry already has 500 assemblies in Mozambique, 150 in South Africa, 72 in Botswana, and 25 in Zambia.
The rapid expansion of the J5 Church provides HE President Dr ED Mnangagwa with a robust and organized foundation of spiritual support. Dr Makururu sent a sincere Merry Christmas wish to the President, clarifying that this gesture is a spiritual blessing for the First Secretary and the entire Ruling Party, offered as a mere wish for a peaceful season. Regarding the National Leadership, the Archbishop remarked, “We have a hard-working President with the Vision of the Nation knowing where we are coming from and where we are going.”
During the Matabeleland South Provincial Interface, the Archbishop focused on the restoration of birthrights stolen by spiritual adversaries. He provided practical stewardship advice for the festive season, urging members not to travel excessively to stay safe on the roads. To prevent the financial distress known as January disease, he offered a stern warning to the congregants. He told the gathering, “Be wise and use money wisely so that we are able to send our children to school in 2026.” This focus on responsible living is part of the strong State-Church relations that have seen all Provinces complete their 2025 programs on a successful note.
Dr Andby also addressed the internal governance of the Church and its affiliates. He extended congratulations to business mogul Kuda Tagwirei and Special Advisor to the President Dr Paul Tempter Tungwarara for their election into the Central Committee in 2026, urging them to remain focused on collective progress. He told the newly elected officials, “Your bishop continues to pray for you and do not be jealous of each other in 2026; let us be peaceful and united so that we can develop our country together.” This call for unity is intended to prevent friction that could hinder the developmental goals of the Great Republic of Zimbabwe.
Dr Makururu spoke strongly against the rise of briefcase affiliates or leaders who misrepresent the size of their following. He insisted that the Church must remain truthful to avoid damaging the National goal. He warned the assembly, “Stop backbiting each other and we don’t want briefcase affiliates or church leaders who lie that they have followers when they don’t have; what they are doing is detrimental to the Vision of the country.”
He reminded the faithful that while the Church plans for progress, adversaries are continually scheming, requiring the Church Fathers to remain on guard.
As the J5 Church prepares for the 2026 Round-up meetings across the Great Republic of Zimbabwe, its trajectory suggests it will fulfill its goal of becoming the most prominent spiritual body in the SADC Region by 2030. The fellowship remains committed to peace-building and the advancement of National Vision 2030. By fostering a culture of accountability and prayer, the Church ensures that the legacy of the current leadership remains the most impactful in the Region.