Vapostori invest in US$2m concrete plant

The US$2 million investment by Taguta Stone Crushers in Mutare's construction materials sector, alongside significant agricultural and educational ventures by the Johane Marange Apostolic Church nationwide, reveals the substantial financial muscle of Zimbabwe's white garment churches-an influence often overlooked or underestimated.

For years, apostolic sects have been largely viewed as religious communities serving mostly the poor and spiritually vulnerable, frequently facing criticism for their perceived radical practices and beliefs. Yet, recent developments in business investments paint a different picture. Leaders and members of white garment churches have been quietly building multimillion-dollar enterprises that eclipse many other religious denominations' economic footprints.

Taguta Stone Crushers, owned by Mutumwa Nimrod Taguta, leader of the Johane Marange Apostolic Church, recently launched operations in Manicaland, ending the region's long-standing monopoly in the stone crushing industry. This new player has also driven down the cost of construction materials in the province, bringing much-needed relief to builders and developers.

Speaking on behalf of the company, foreman Whatmore Tivakudze explained that their mission is to offer affordable construction materials through competitive pricing. "We have successfully established this US$2 million business entity to alleviate the financial burden on numerous Zimbabweans seeking to venture into construction. Our prices are nearly half the rates previously prevalent in Manicaland, enabling individuals and organisations to construct business offices, residential accommodations, and public properties at affordable rates," he said.

Situated on the outskirts of Mutare along the Mutare-Chimanimani Highway, Taguta Stone Crushers produces high-quality products such as pure river sand, 19mm aggregate, and 13mm aggregate concrete stone. The company has also expanded into brick moulding, utilizing advanced machinery to ramp up production efficiency. Additionally, the site manufactures domestic and industrial pavers, further diversifying its portfolio in the construction materials market.

Beyond construction, the Johane Marange Apostolic Church is investing heavily in education, with a network of schools aimed at providing church members and the wider community with access to quality, affordable, and equitable education grounded in Christian values. Church secretary for education, Cuthbert Rungwe, confirmed that the church's educational footprint is steadily expanding.

"We are making tremendous progress, with 21 schools already established in Manicaland alone. The church has set up a total of 49 primary schools and 11 secondary schools across the country. In fact, we have covered all of Zimbabwe's provinces, with the exception of Bulawayo and Matabeleland South. This is our contribution to the country's efforts to improve access to education for all," said Mr Rungwe.

The emergence of these investments challenges long-held assumptions about white garment apostolic churches, revealing them not only as spiritual centres but also as influential economic players driving development in Zimbabwe's construction and education sectors.