Support UM News on World Press Freedom Day: Give to help sustain and expand the storytelling capacity of UM News. Your donation today will transform information into inspiration and ensure we can continue sharing stories of God’s work in the world through The UMC. Help us reach our $10,000 goal and keep this vital ministry fair, faithful, trusted and free for all!

Former Africa University vice chancellor dies at 82

Africa University Vice Chancellor Rukudzo J. Murapa leads celebrants in singing “Happy Birthday” to the school during its 10th anniversary observations in Mutare, Zimbabwe, in 2002. Murapa, Africa University's second vice chancellor, died Oct. 27. He was 82. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News. 
Africa University Vice Chancellor Rukudzo J. Murapa leads celebrants in singing “Happy Birthday” to the school during its 10th anniversary observations in Mutare, Zimbabwe, in 2002. Murapa, Africa University's second vice chancellor, died Oct. 27. He was 82. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

Key points:

  • Rukudzo J. Murapa, a United Methodist, died at Murambi Garden Clinic in Mutare on Oct. 27.
  • Friends and colleagues say the former political scientist was instrumental in laying a firm foundation for the institution.
  • James H. Salley, Africa University associate vice chancellor, said Murapa had the background and experiences to know how important a relationship with the diaspora was for the university and the students.

Former Africa University vice chancellor Rukudzo J. Murapa is being remembered for his vision, networking and leadership, including helping to establish the United Methodist university’s Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance.

Murapa died at age 82 at Murambi Garden Clinic in Mutare on Oct. 27.

In Zimbabwe, a vice chancellor is the equivalent of a university president in the U.S. He was the second vice chancellor, serving from 1998 to 2007. His death comes just days after the university celebrated its 30th anniversary.

Friends and colleagues say the former political scientist was instrumental in laying a firm foundation for the institution, which has grown to become a world-class university.

Professor Rukudzo Murapa. 2001 file photo courtesy of Africa University. 
Professor Rukudzo Murapa. 2001 file photo courtesy of Africa University.

“As the skilled stonemason builds his wall, sturdy and strong, capable of braving any force, so too did Professor Murapa play a part in laying the foundation upon which we so proudly stand,” said Africa University in a statement.

“We do not take for granted all that he did and continued to do for Africa University until his final days,” the institution said.

James H. Salley, Africa University associate vice chancellor, said Murapa went to school at United Methodist Old Mutare Mission and had the background and experiences to know how important a relationship with the diaspora was for the university and the students.

“He was a master politician with the ability to think beyond Mutare and Zimbabwe,” Salley said.

“Working for the United Nations, he became a global citizen and brought that perspective to AU with the concept of the Institute of Peace, Leadership and Governance. I am so happy he lived long enough to see the dreams of peace and governance that emanate from the university become a reality,” he said.

“As we say in my home area of South Carolina in the U.S., ‘It ain’t no secret what God can do; what he’s done for others, he’ll do for you.’ With his passing, God is pleased with his work,” Salley said.

Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa of the Zimbabwe Episcopal Area said Murapa will always have a special place in the hall of fame among the list of vice chancellors who served Africa University.

“The former vice chancellor told us people should know that they are at a university by simply looking at its grounds," Nhiwatiwa said.

Rukudzo J. Murapa (right) applauds during the dedication service for a new residence hall at Africa University in 2002. He was joined at the dedication service by (from left) now-retired Bishops Woodie W. White (left) and Emilio de Carvalho and James Salley, Africa University associate vice chancellor, for whom the residence hall is named. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News. 
Rukudzo J. Murapa (right) applauds during the dedication service for a new residence hall at Africa University in 2002. He was joined at the dedication service by (from left) now-retired Bishops Woodie W. White (left) and Emilio de Carvalho and James Salley, Africa University associate vice chancellor, for whom the residence hall is named. File photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

The bishop, a former lecturer at the school, was among the staff who first heard Murapa mapping out his vision of what a university should look like. Murapa’s initial address to staff in 1998 was in the room that now serves as Moot Court for the new law program, which started a few weeks ago.

“As he addressed us, he had his long-sleeved shirt rolled up. He had no coat and no tie. For me, that was a symbolic art of communicating, ‘I am here for serious business.’ Indeed, serious he was,” Nhiwatiwa said.

He described Murapa as an energetic visionary, always networking near and far to raise the profile of the university.

Subscribe to our
e-newsletter

Like what you're reading and want to see more? Sign up for our free daily and weekly digests of important news and events in the life of The United Methodist Church.

Keep me informed!

“He catapulted the name of Africa University onto the community of academics,” Nhiwatiwa said. 

“For African bishops, we shall forever remember that our annual gathering is an idea which originated with Professor Murapa,” said Nhiwatiwa, who is president of the Africa Colleges of Bishops.

When the bishops met at Africa University in September, Nhiwatiwa, Bishop Mande Muyombo of the North Katanga Area and Africa University’s new vice chancellor, the Rev. Peter Mageto, took time out to visit Murapa at his home in Mutare.

“I asked Murapa to refresh his mind again on what pushed him that African bishops should meet at Africa University annually. He told us it was to instil in the bishops that they had a permanent home at Africa University,” Nhiwatiwa said.

The memory of Murapa and his late wife, Hellen, will live on at the university through a residence hall named in their honor. It was built with funding from the Indiana Conference.

The former vice chancellor held a bachelor’s degree in political science from United Methodist-related Hamline University in Minnesota and a master’s degree in political science and a doctorate in public administration, comparative politics and economics from Northern Illinois University.

He is survived by son Kudzai, daughter Meleni and three grandchildren. 

Chikwanah is a communicator of the Zimbabwe East Conference.

News media contact: Julie Dwyer, news editor, [email protected] or 615-742-5469. To read more United Methodist news, subscribe to the free Daily or Weekly Digests

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
Judicial Council
Council of President Tracy S. Malone (center), who also leads the Indiana Conference, addresses her fellow bishops and those watching on livestream on May 2, final day of the Council of Bishops 2025 spring meeting in Chicago. The bishops released a statement late that day trying to ease concerns about a Judicial Council ruling on same-sex weddings. Sitting beside Malone, from left, are Horizon Texas Conference Bishop Ruben Saenz Jr., president-designate, and Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, secretary. Holston leads the Alabama-West Florida and North Alabama conferences. Photo by Rick Wolcott, Council of Bishops.

Bishops respond to same-sex wedding ruling

United Methodist bishops seek to ease concerns after the denomination’s top court ruled that trustees cannot bar a pastor from officiating at same-sex weddings within church walls.
General Church
The Council of Bishops and Connectional Table have collaborated in developing a new vision statement for the denomination: The United Methodist Church forms disciples of Jesus Christ who, empowered by the Holy Spirit, love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously in local communities and worldwide connections. Earth image by NASA Space Observatory; graphic by Laurens Glass, UM News.

Bishops unveil vision for United Methodist Church

United Methodist bishops — in collaboration with the Connectional Table — have adopted a vision that says United Methodists “love boldly, serve joyfully, and lead courageously.”
Mission and Ministry
Patricia and Ray Kaukonde join hands with Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatiwa to celebrate the dedication of Donzwe United Methodist Church near Mudzi, Zimbabwe, in December 2024. Ray Kaukonde fulfilled his dying mother’s wish by completing construction of the church that was started in 1977 by his grandfather. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Man blesses many by fulfilling mother’s dying wish

Ray Kaukonde’s late mother’s will instructed his family to continue supporting the welfare of United Methodist pastors. He’s done that and more, including helping to build two new sanctuaries.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved