Tucked away in the south-eastern part of Zimbabwe, Chipinge District in Manicaland Province is a land of breathtaking landscapes, spiritual depth and immense economic potential, though often misunderstood.
Shrouded in folklore and mysticism, Chipinge is sometimes wrongly associated with tales of witchcraft.
Some claim that local witch doctors can summon lightning or alter reality with a whisper — stories that have long shaped public perception.
But beyond the myths lies a much richer, far more inspiring reality.
Chipinge is a treasure trove of spiritual heritage, agricultural wealth and notable national figures. It is a land where tradition and modernity coexist, a place where tea plantations thrive alongside tales of prophets and healers.
A Spiritual and Historic Powerhouse
While the area is renowned for revered traditional healers like the late Sekuru Chinengozi and Sekuru Ndunge, Chipinge also gave rise to towering Christian figures such as the late Archbishop Ezekiel Guti — founder of the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God Africa (ZAOGA).
Archbishop Guti, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 100, built a spiritual empire that includes a university, hospital, schools, media outlets and over 127 published works.
Chipinge indeed has more spiritual influence than most districts could claim. The late Guti’s Christian ministry lit up the nation, while traditional leaders like Chinengozi and Ndunge wielded their own powerful presence, commanding respect across generations.
A Cradle of National Leaders
Chipinge has also produced some of Zimbabwe’s most prominent public figures.
These include Dr Sydney Gata, current ZESA executive chairman; Dr Winnie Mlambo, former ICT Deputy Minister; Dr Kombo Moyana, former Reserve Bank Governor; and football legend Ngandu Mangala, among others.
However, beyond its notable sons and daughters, Chipinge’s true wealth lies in its soil.
An Agricultural Powerhouse
Thanks to its unique microclimate and fertile soils, Chipinge is a prime agricultural hub producing macadamia nuts, bananas, avocados and tea — crops that flourish all year round.
Drive into Chipinge and a sea of emerald green unfolds—tea plantations stretch into the horizon, while goats and cattle graze between rows, carefully avoiding the tea shrubs.
Banana plants sway under the weight of heavy bunches, and umbrella-shaped macadamia trees add a playful charm to the landscape.
“We can single-handedly supply the entire nation with tea,” says Mr Woeshik Mangezi, factories manager at Ariston Holdings, a listed agricultural concern operating Southdown Estate in Chipinge.
“Chipinge’s production is so reliable that, to my knowledge, Zimbabwe has never faced a tea shortage, even during economic downturns.”
Mr Mangezi said that Southdown runs two production lines capable of processing over 75 tonnes of made tea daily.
“One of them has an installed capacity of 1,2 tonnes per hour and the second one has a production capacity of 2,5 tonnes per hour,” he added. “So if we are going to work for 22,5 hours, making allowances for three cleaning periods of 30 minutes each per shift, that will enable us to push between 70 and 75 tonnes in a 24-hour working day.”
On an annual basis, Ariston produces over 4 million kilogrammes of made tea, with 2,5 to 3 million kg processed at Southdown.
Approximately 70 percent of this tea is exported as bulk tea. However, the company also produces over 1 000 tonnes of value-added teas under brands such as Three Leaves, Crest Value, Mountain Dew, Wanganella and Southdown.
Made tea refers to processed leaves ready for brewing, while value-added teas are enhanced for higher market appeal through branding, flavouring or packaging.
Ariston employs up to 1,600 people during peak season, mostly from Chipinge and Chimanimani, contributing significantly to local livelihoods and Manicaland’s rural transformation.
“Our labour composition is 40 percent females and 40 percent males,” said Engineer Gibbs Manyukwa, head of engineering at Ariston Holdings.
“We draw all our labour from our neighbourhood, mostly here in Manicaland, and for specialised operations, we recruit from far and wide but primarily from across the country. Most of the employees we get are from here in Chipinge and Chimanimani.”
For Mr Marvelous Manono, a veteran worker at Ariston for over 30 years, the estate is a lifeline for local communities.
“This is our diamond mine,” he said. “Thanks to my job, I’ve sent my children to school—one is in polytechnic, another in Form Four. I was even promoted for my loyalty.”
Mr Daniel Chipongo, who joined the company in 2017, shared a similar story.
“This job has changed my life. My family depends on it. From food to school fees, everything comes from here.”
Beyond Ariston
Chipinge is also home to Tanganda Tea Company, one of Africa’s top tea producers, boasting an average yield of 4,2 tonnes per hectare.
Its renowned brands include Tanganda Tea, Tips Tea, Joko Tea, Stella Tea, Fresh Leaves Tea and Silver Tea. With fresh fruits, vegetables and food crops readily available at affordable prices, Chipinge offers both nourishment and opportunity, earning its place as one of Zimbabwe’s most promising rural economies.
A Land of Promise
Whether one is drawn by its spiritual legacy, lush green hills or thriving agribusiness, Chipinge is a district defying stereotypes. From sacred traditions to modern-day success stories, this evergreen paradise is writing a new chapter of progress, prosperity and pride.