LIFESTYLE EDITOR
AN Apostolic sect has called for the creation of an independent Ministry of Religion, separate from the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture.
The announcement was made at the launch of Masowe for ED, an economic affiliate of the ruling Zanu-PF, on Saturday in Glen Norah, Harare, where thousands of Masowe members gathered to witness the historic occasion.
“We are calling for an independent Ministry of Religion. We need our own minister so that our concerns can be addressed directly,” said Madzibaba Enock, real name Herbert Senda, of Johane Masowe Nyenyedzi Nomwe, amid ululations from the crowd.
The event organiser, Madzibaba Terbnage, chairperson of Masowe for ED, said the organisation’s core mandate is to support the ruling party while improving the lives of its members.
“We have close to 200 000 followers, and we are confident they will all back President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the ruling party from today onwards,” he said before gifting the President 10 sheep.
Top Zanu-PF officials, including Harare chairperson Godwills Masimirembwa, attended the event and pledged to protect the sect from societal discrimination.
“You told me you were previously victimised by some council officials over this piece of land. That is now a thing of the past. Our President has granted us freedom of worship,” Masimirembwa said.
Thousands of Johane Masowe followers marched from their shrine to Chitungwiza – High Glen Road, popularly known as PaMasimbi in Glen Norah, turning the street into a sea of white-robed believers.
Born in Chivhu on April 3, 1980, Madzibaba Terbnage leads the Johane Masowe Graspa sect.
He is best known for his ‘anointed fire’, referred to by followers as Zoto or Zambara — a striking spiritual ritual that has become a hallmark of his ministry.
Each week, congregants gather around the sacred fire, some seeking healing, others deliverance, united by faith and a shared sense of hope.
Madzibaba Terbnage’s spiritual journey began in 2001 under the guidance of the Vateeri VaJesu, when he experienced a vision that he says defined his divine calling. He went on to establish Johane Masowe Graspa in 2013.
The sect now boasts nearly 400 branches across Zimbabwe, Kenya, Botswana, Zambia, Mozambique and Namibia, with plans already underway to expand into Europe, beginning with the United Kingdom.
