ZAOGA’s Warring Leaders Finally Reconciled? What Next?

Reconciliation at last?- These two men (Joseph Guti, right, and Simango Simukai, left) are the perceived arch-leaders of two factions in the late Ezekiel Guti’s ZAOGA church. Are their hearts as white as their suits? Simukai is the husband of Joseph’s leadership rival Lavener Guti, who is late church leader’s most prominent daughter that recently clashed with the other’s wife on stage.

White suits have long held a place of psychological significance and cultural influence, symbolizing purity, authority, and a commanding presence. White, as a color, is universally associated with purity, peace, and honesty. When leaders or public figures wear white suits, they inherently suggest transparency and a moral high ground. This is particularly potent in contexts where trust and values are central to their mission, such as religious or philanthropic endeavours.

Church members in ZAOGA’s US branches where Simango Simukai once pastored seem tell a different story from that told by those in Zimbabwe.

On the other hand the anointed leader, Joseph is still to respond to the demands of the family of a “goblin-casting” Pastor Michael Vareta, who has three identities. The family demands a public apology after ZAOGA allowed Vhareta to continue claiming in sermons that he was anointed by God while living as a street kid in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). The family accuses him of fabricating this story to enhance his spiritual reputation.

The Vareta family, fathered by a wealthy businessman in Mt. Darwin, says Pastor Vareta’s claims are false and damaging to their reputation. They argue their firstborn brother, born in 1957, never lived as a street kid in 1978 and accuse him of dishonoring the family for personal gain. His siblings say the family provided a stable upbringing, making his story untrue and unnecessary.

Michael Vhareta also has 3 identities
One family member said, “He’s painting a false picture of neglect when we supported him. This is not our story.”

Pastor Vareta asserts he lived on the streets of Salisbury (modern-day Harare) for over eight months during the liberation war in 1978. However, critics argue this was impossible due to Rhodesia’s strict racial segregation and security measures at the time.

Historical evidence shows black men of his age were either conscripted into the Rhodesian army or targeted by nationalistic guerrilla fighters. Many have questioned how he could have survived undetected in a heavily policed city center under such conditions.

Critics accuse Pastor Vareta of fabricating this backstory to appear more spiritually “anointed.” They argue the claim creates a false narrative to inspire trust and attract followers. A ZimEye interviewer confronted him, asking, “Are you trying to build your career on a lie to appear as someone God miraculously raised from nothing?”

Pastor Vareta’s Defense

In a lengthy interview, Pastor Vareta stands by his story, attributing his survival to God’s protection. He says, “This is my testimony. It happened, whether people believe it or not. I cannot lie before God.”

However, he admitted his claims conflict with historical records and acknowledged gaps in his story, saying, “It’s like surviving a car crash—you can’t always explain how it happened.”

Impact on the Church

The controversy has raised concerns about leadership integrity within ZAOGA FIF Church. Some compare Vareta’s claims to previous allegations against the church’s late founder, Ezekiel Guti, who has faced criticism for exaggerating his spiritual experiences. Critics argue this pattern undermines the church’s credibility. In the interview the preacher does not deny that his claims are similar to that his later founder used to market the institution.

The Vareta family and community members worry his claims tarnish their name and the church’s reputation. They demand an apology and a retraction of the story. One sibling said, “He needs to tell the truth, not create a fantasy for fame.”

ZAOGA church was reached for comment.

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