Makokoba Society Celebrates 121 Years of Spreading the Good News
On 29th of September 2024 Makokoba Methodist Church celebrated 121 years of existence as the oldest church in Bulawayo. A milestone that signifies more than a century of spiritual guidance and community service. Makokoba holds a special place in our hearts, having birthed all the churches in the region. To honor this legacy significant renovations are being made to ensure that Makokoba remains a welcoming and inspiring place of worship.
Today we celebrate 121 years of Makokoba Methodist Church in Zimbabwe, commonly known to some of us depending on what generation you are from as “Gogo Makokoba”. Ama 2000, lalelani lifunde (Listen and learn). It is through the grace of and mercies of God that, this building along with the people in this church have kept the legacy of winning souls to God.
History of Makokoba Society of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe
Early Beginnings
From 1891 to 1965, the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe (then known as Rhodesia) was led by Missionaries. It was during that time, that the Methodist Church established its first mission station in Bulawayo, which included the Makokoba area. The church’s early work focused on evangelism, education and healthcare.
Education
In 1903, Makokoba was established mainly as the Centre for Children’s learning activities. The centre had 4 to 5 classes with different teachers taking combined classes at the Annex Churches. The Annex churches included Salvation Army, Church of Christ, Presbyterian and the Dutch Reformed Church. So, school Assembly was conducted at Makokoba, and the lessons would follow in the other churches as named above. The Head of the school then was the late Mr Gibbons, and among the dedicated teachers was Chief Frank Gambu Sithole, from this complex. Lobengula Primary, Mzilikazi Primary in Mzilikazi, Losikeyi Primary in Nguboyenja and Lotshe Primary in Makokoba were opened respectively. A few high schools also came from this establishment, namely Mzilikazi High School and Bulawayo Methodist High School, which is on these grounds. In 1925, the theological college was established to train local clergy. The church played a significant role in promoting education particularly for Africans, during the colonial era.
The church was then left as a place of worship. Makokoba church birthed the following societies of the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe: Mzilikazi, Njube, Mpopoma, Pelandaba and Luveve. These churches have also given birth to many more Methodist churches in and around Bulawayo. During the liberation struggle of the 1960s and 1970s, Makokoba also provided support to refugees and displaced persons.
Today, the Methodist Church in Zimbabwe is a significant denomination with a strong presence in Makokoba and throughout the country. Makokoba continues to focus on spiritual growth, social justice and community development. We celebrate the legacy of Makokoba Church today. Long live Makokoba omuhle, the place where great man and women made a significant mark. The history of Makokoba, will not be complete without mentioning the following people, some of you will remember
List of Reverends, Evangelists, Deaconess – Missionaries & Local Preachers who served at Makokoba Methodist Society:
1.Revd. W. A. Hoskins (1966)
2. Revd. A Geoffrey Jones (1968)
3. Revd. Siamtinta
4. Revd. Samkange
5. Revd. Solomon Litshe Mbambo Zwana (most senior umdala)
6. Revd. Devilious Sitshela Ngwenya
7. Revd. Siqalaba Mpofu (umdala)
8. Revd. B.J.J. Ndebele (1978)
9. Revd. W.J. Ramushu
10. Revd. O. D. Ramushu (Ntabazinduna)
11. Revd. Canaan Sodindo Ncube Banana (President of Zimbabwe)
12. Revd. Mzungwane Ndlovu
13. Revd. Charles B. Nyambosi Manyoba
14. Revd. Benjamin B. Nunu
15. Revd. Farai J. Chirisa
16. Revd. Geoffery T. Mburuma
17. Revd. J.M. Ndlovu (staff United College of Education Bulawayo).
18. Revd. Stephen (SK) Mlilo Mangumi
19. Revd. Peter P. Nyamangara (Mbembesi)
20. Revd. Enoc Makalima Musa (umdala)
21. Revd. V. Wellington Gubudu
22. Revd. Ephram J. Mukasa
23. Revd. D.V. Ndlovu
24. Revd. Takawira Masimba (1995)
25. Revd. William S.P. Khiyaza Phakathi
26. Revd. Moffat Ncube
27. Revd. Osborn Madlezibabayo Mpofu
28. Revd. Claudus Matsikiti
29. Revd. Amon Chidongwe
30. Revd. Cephas Z. Mukandi
31. Revd. Joshua Mashiri
32. Revd. Josias Mudenda
33. Revd. Obert Shatai
34. Revd. Lastboy Hlomani
35. Revd Tapiwa Muleya
36. Revd. Tapiwa Marambi
37. Revd. Gladman Chauya
38. Revd. Bishop Dr. Greenwell Chigova
NB: Please note that the list is not following the chronological order.
Some of Makokoba Methodist Society lay leaders that we could remember:
Most of them have passed on: Perhaps only 3 are alive:
1. Mr. M. Madlenya Tshuma
2. Mr. T. Nyamadzawo
3. G. Vazhure
4. Mr. Thomas Ndlovu
5. Mr. E. Ngwenya
6. Mr. May Mpofu
7. Mrs. M. Ndaba
8. Mrs. D. Kwali
9. Mrs. M. Tyeza
10. Mrs. J. Mahota
11. Mr. Timoth Mashingaidze
12. Mrs. V. Dima
13. Mrs. E. Hikwa
14. Mrs. E. Mabhazo
15. Mrs. F. Mthezuka
16. Mrs. M. Majwabu
17. Mrs. E. Masendu
18. Mr. B. Nkala
19. Mr. Mazorodze
20. Mr. J. Bhebhe
21. Mr. Mkoteli
22. Mr. Mleya Tshuma (Mgebesi)
23. Mr Msumiwa Dube
24. Mr. Bigboy Khumalo
Evangelists:
1. Evgt. Sihlola
2. Evgt. Elijah Khumalo
3. Evgt. Furusta
4. Evgt. P. Ngazi
5. Evgt. L. Shambira (Nyamandlovu)
6. B. Ncube (2003)
Deaconesses & Missionaries
1. Sister Celia Clemens
2. Sister Joan Stockley
3. Mr. John M. Cokett
4. Mr. Hencock
By Mqoqi Ncube