Saturday, the 31st of January, Zvishavane town was brought to a complete standstill as a convoy of flashy vehicles belonging to congregants of the Johanne Masowe EChishanu rolled majestically through the town, hooting in celebratory rhythm as they gathered to mark the birthday of revered leader, Madzibaba Ebanage (Trust Mtwawa).
This august gathering drew prominent spiritual figures from across Zimbabwe, among them Madzibaba Tau (Lot 2), Madzibaba Flotcher Dispenser (Mhondoro), Madzibaba Evynage (Mberengwa), Madzibaba Davie (Mkoba 20), Madzibaba Shaneby (Chachacha), Madzibaba Benjy ‘Madzatsatsa’ (Neshuro Sect), Madzibaba Tito (Bera), Madzibaba Reginai (Masvingo), Madzibaba Misheck (Bulawayo), Madzibaba Tatenda (Marondera), Madzibaba Benjy (Harare), and Madzibaba Moses (Mabasa), among others.
The event showcased a remarkable transformation of a sect once stereotyped as archaic and steeped in poverty. Gone are the days when vapositori were associated with deprivation and marginalisation. In their place now stands a confident, progressive and economically empowered movement, proudly parading a lavish lifestyle that speaks volumes of a profound socio-economic metamorphosis.
Baba Ebha’s birthday was celebrated in grand and classical fashion, a spectacle that drew admiration from onlookers and passers-by alike. Commendation must go to Madzibaba Mhozi Gwanzura, whose instrumental role in fostering unity among prophets across Zimbabwe has borne visible fruit.
Speaking at the event, Madzibaba Reginai, the Masvingo Provincial Chairperson of Vapositori and MaZion for ED, remarked:
“Today is a very great day for us as vapositori for ED. It bears testimony to the tangible achievements of the Second Republic. Let us unite as a nation towards the realisation of our national vision.”
Echoing the same sentiments was Honourable Mecky Jaravaza, Member of Parliament for Zvishavane–Ngezi Constituency, who expressed amazement at the spectacle:
“I have never witnessed such flamboyance from vapositori, who have traditionally been viewed as low-class worshippers. Even prominent business figures from Zvishavane, including Pote, sent representatives. This is indeed a day to remember.”
The procession itself was a mechanical marvel, boasting a convoy of Ford Raptors, Toyota GD6s, Fortuners, and other high-end vehicles. At Pote Supermarket, opposite the Chicken Inn rank, vendors, commuters and rank marshals thronged the streets to receive blessings from the revered spiritual leader, Madzibaba Ebanage, as commerce momentarily paused in honour of faith and festivity.
Beyond the spiritual and social spectacle, the weekend also delivered gripping drama on the sporting front, where the beautiful game once again lived up to its billing as a theatre of dreams, despair and delight. Manchester United silenced their critics with a resilient display, as a late strike by Sesko sealed the day. United’s recent form has seen them bash both giants and minnows alike, restoring belief among their faithful and signalling a decisive turning of tables.
Arsenal continued their imperious march at the summit of the table, dismantling Leeds United 4–0, while Chelsea edged past West Ham United 3–2 in another pulsating London derby that kept fans glued to their screens and radios.
However, Manchester City’s struggles persisted, as they were held to a 2–2 draw by Tottenham Hotspur, underlining their recent inconsistency and leaving their title aspirations hanging in delicate balance.
Indeed, it was a weekend defined by celebration, spectacle, resilience and reversal-from the spiritual convoys that arrested traffic in Zvishavane to the footballing battles that captured global attention. A weekend of bashes and turning tables, where faith, festivity and football intertwined to remind us of life’s rich theatre.
It is only a view — from the mango tree.
