The first Bahá'í to settle in Zimbabwe did so in 1953. The first native Zimbabwean joined the Bahá'í community in 1955 (see History). In 1970, the first national administrative body of nine members called the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Zimbabwe was established and since then the growth of the Bahá'í Faith and it's national activities have been under the supervision of this elected body.

Thousands of people from all major tribes of Zimbabwe have become Bahá'ís. In hundreds of localities in urban and rural areas of the country Spiritual Assemblies have been formed; these Assemblies are responsible for the affairs of the Bahá'í Faith at the local level. Almost 99 percent of the membership of these Assemblies consists of indigenous people of Zimbabwe. The Bahá'í Faith has been registered with the Company Act as a non-profit making religious organisation. In Harare and Bulawayo and in several other growth points Bahá'í Centres (equivalent of church) have been built. In accordance with principles of Bahá'í administration members of National and Local Spiritual Assemblies are elected by Bahá'ís residing in Zimbabwe.

The Bahá'í Faith is heavily involved at the international, national, regional and local levels in promoting the equality between men and women and in the establishment of pre-schools in several rural areas so as to provide primary education for future generations. Continuous striving towards understanding and realisation of unity and harmony among all races, nationalities, religions and tribes is the path that shall lead the world to an enduring and lasting peace based on justice.

The Encyclopaedia Britannica has described the spread of the Bahá'í Faith in the world as second only to the spread of Christianity. In the year 2000 there are 181 National Spiritual Assemblies established throughout the planet. The Bahá'í Faith has spread to every corner of the earth and embraces representatives from all strata of society, ethnic, linguistic and religious backgrounds. Its World Administrative Centre is in the Holy Land in Israel and situated on Mount Carmel (also known as the Mountain of God). There, beautiful hanging gardens and buildings arranged in a vast Arc welcome the pilgrims, the travellers and visitors from all over the world.

SOME STATISTICS

We're working on getting some statistics on the Zimbabwean Bahá'í community up as soon as possible.

PROFILES OF INDIVIDUAL ZIMBABWEAN BAHA'IS

Over the coming months we hope to introduce you to individual members of our community.