Zimbabwe prophets, prophetesses told to get some education

Archbishop Andby Makururu, the leader of the Johanne The Fifth of Africa Church, has called on prophets and other spiritual leaders to attain a minimum level of education if they are to effectively lead and communicate with their congregants.

Makururu made the remarks during a ceremony at his Parushanga shrine in Mutare, where he awarded certificates to prophets and prophetesses who had successfully completed a leadership and spiritual guidance programme.

Addressing the gathering, Makururu stressed the importance of education in church leadership, saying that a prophet should have at least an Ordinary Level qualification to be eligible to lead in his church. He said this standard was necessary to ensure that spiritual leaders are capable of communicating effectively, particularly when leading followers who may hold higher academic qualifications.

"We want real prophets who have respect and real order," said Makururu. "If you want to be a prophet of Johanne The Fifth of Africa, you should have certain qualifications. We are now looking for our prophets and prophetesses in Zimbabwe to have Ordinary level qualifications."

He emphasized that spiritual leadership required more than just divine calling, arguing that education helps enhance communication and understanding within diverse congregations. "There is a time you lead people with diplomas or degrees, and there is a certain communication which is expected of a church leader with such people," he explained.

Makururu, who oversees hundreds of prophets and prophetesses across Zimbabwe, said church leaders must also be role models in speech and conduct. "As church leaders, we should be good communicators. The way we communicate with others, we should be a good example to the people," he said. "We expect you to be honest and also to know the ideology of the country."

He further urged his spiritual leaders to embrace counselling skills and business acumen to better serve their communities. As part of efforts to formalise training, Makururu revealed plans to establish a "school of prophets" and said he was currently searching for suitable land for the project.

In a notable development, Archbishop Makururu was recently honoured by the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates with the "Holy Land of Palestine Solidarity Award." The award, presented on the 77th anniversary of Alnakba, recognises Makururu's support for the Palestinian cause and is the highest distinction given to religious leaders by the Palestinian government.

The inscription on the award reads: "Holy Land of Palestine Solidarity Award Presented to Andby Makururu of the Republic of Zimbabwe issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the State of Palestine on the occasion of the 77th Anniversary of Alnakba."

Makururu has enjoyed strong ties with political leaders, having met Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on several occasions at both State House and church functions. He also recently held talks with Mozambican President Daniel Chapo during a visit to Mozambique.

His growing regional and international recognition, coupled with his push for education and discipline within the church, signals a shift in how the Johanne The Fifth of Africa Church is positioning itself in both spiritual and civic leadership spheres.