Another State-assisted funeral

Archbishop Loveless Matarirano Manhango, founder of the Bethesda Apostolic Church and a committed nation builder who played a significant role in Zimbabwe's liberation struggle and agrarian reform, will be laid to rest on Saturday at Chiwiriri Village. Acting President Dr. Constantino Chiwenga announced that Archbishop Manhango, who passed away last week, has been granted a State-assisted funeral in recognition of his substantial contributions to Zimbabwe's independence and development.

In a heartfelt statement, Acting President Chiwenga expressed condolences on behalf of the government and praised Archbishop Manhango's unwavering dedication to the nation's liberation, his contributions to agriculture, and his extensive philanthropic efforts.

"I learnt with deep grief and sorrow of the passing on of Archbishop Loveless Matarirano Manhango, a devout Christian and founder of the Bethesda Apostolic Church," Dr. Chiwenga said. "Archbishop Manhango contributed immensely to nation-building before and after Independence."

Archbishop Manhango's Bethesda Apostolic Church, an indigenous religious institution, provided critical material and spiritual support to freedom fighters during Zimbabwe's liberation struggle. His involvement in the liberation effort exposed him to severe treatment from the Rhodesian regime, which deemed his church's support as rebellious, leading to his arrest and torture. Despite this, Archbishop Manhango held steadfast, maintaining that the church was a divine mission he could not abandon.

Today, the Bethesda Apostolic Church has over 200,000 followers, with branches not only across Zimbabwe but also in countries such as Australia, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States. At the time of his passing, Archbishop Manhango was actively working to develop the church's headquarters at Chiwiriri into a fully-fledged mission center.

In his tribute, Dr. Chiwenga acknowledged the archbishop's impact on Zimbabwe's agricultural transformation, describing him as a "leading light" in the country's agrarian reform, which sought to correct colonial land injustices. Archbishop Manhango was a successful beneficiary of the land reform program, cultivating a productive farm in Nyabira that contributed to national food security.

The archbishop was also deeply committed to community welfare through the Bethesda Education Trust Fund, which he established to support education for underprivileged children. Over 900 students have benefited from scholarships provided by the fund, enabling them to pursue further education.

"His contributions to the well-being of Zimbabweans will forever be remembered and cherished. May his dear soul rest in eternal peace," Acting President Chiwenga stated.

Archbishop Manhango also held a role within the Zimbabwe Indigenous Interdenominational Council of Churches, where he served as secretary for legal affairs, fostering strong collaboration with the government and the ruling ZANU-PF party.

The Bethesda Apostolic Church and the broader Zimbabwean community will gather to honor a man whose life and legacy embody resilience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to the development and well-being of his country.