The C.C.A.P. Harare Synod History

The Church of Central Africa Presbyterian (C.C.A.P.) Harare Synod became the fourth synod in the denomination in 1965 (Minutes: C.C.A.P General Synod, 12th-15th August 1960:4; 1964:8; Daneel, 1982:47). Its origins are closely tied to the migration of laborers from Malawi and northeastern Zambia to the mines, farms, and industries in Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe (Verstraelem-Gilhuis, 1982:55). Labor migration, driven by colonial-era hut taxation imposed by the British, dates back to 1900–1905. This migration left many Malawians in Zimbabwe without spiritual leaders, creating a pressing need for pastoral care (Cronje, 1982:109).

By 1905, this need prompted Malawian communities in Zimbabwe to send delegates—including Yonamu from Makande, Joseph Mandovi from Livingstonia, Jeremiah Mwalo from Zambezi Industrial Mission, and a representative from the Blantyre Mission—to advocate for spiritual support. The consultative Board of Federated Missions in Nyasaland (modern-day Malawi) took up the cause, leading to efforts to establish spiritual leadership for the growing migrant community in Southern Rhodesia (Cronje, 1982:109; Daneel, 1982:13).

Pioneers and Growth

Rev. T.C.B. Vlok of the Dutch Reformed Church (DRC) became the first missionary to serve in Zimbabwe in 1911. A veteran of 23 years in the Nkhoma Presbytery, Rev. Vlok ministered in Zimbabwe until 1936, succeeded by Rev. J. Jackson and his wife, who served from 1936 to 1952. Rev. M.S. Daneel followed in 1952, serving until 1980. Rev. Daneel is remembered for his visionary leadership and significant contributions to the church's development in Zimbabwe (Daneel, 1982:14; Cronje, 1982:110-113).

Malawian church leaders also played a crucial role. Responding to the growing spiritual needs, the C.C.A.P. Livingstonia and Nkhoma Presbyteries sent several ministers, including Revs. Whitton Makwalo, Patrick Mwamulima, Thomas P. Nyirongo, and Yona Lengwe Mvula, among others. Their dedication helped establish and expand the church in Zimbabwe (Daneel, 1982:35-38; Cronje, 1982:111).

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Expansion Across Zimbabwe

The missionary efforts led to the establishment of numerous congregations across Zimbabwe:

  • Harare (formerly Salisbury) – 1945
  • Gweru (formerly Gwelo) – 1950
  • Bulawayo – 1955
  • Highfield – 1957
  • Kwekwe (formerly QueQue) – 1962
  • Mutare (formerly Umtali) – 1962
  • Marondera (formerly Marandellas) – 1962
  • Chinhoyi (formerly Sinoia) – 1962
  • Kadoma (formerly Gatooma) – 1964
  • Bindura – 1968
  • Hwange – 1970
  • Rusape – 1971
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Initially, these congregations were under the C.C.A.P. Nkhoma Presbytery in Malawi. In 1956, when the Nkhoma Presbytery became a synod, the Salisbury (Harare) Presbytery became part of its jurisdiction. On May 1, 1965, the Salisbury Presbytery was elevated to the C.C.A.P. Harare Synod, marking its place as the fourth synod in Central Africa (Cronje, 1982:112; Daneel, 1982:20).Today, the C.C.A.P. Harare Synod continues to build on this rich legacy, serving its congregations and the broader community with dedication and faithfulness.