Zanu-PF targets Prophets Magaya, Makandiwa for funding

ZANU-PF has set its eyes on Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder Walter Magaya and United Family International Church (UFIC) leader Emmanuel Makandiwa for funding to raise the $3 million required for its December conference.

The annual Zanu-PF conference will be held in the resort town of Victoria Falls from December 7 to 13.

NewsDay said it is reliably informed that Zanu-PF, after failing to find takers for its extravagantly-priced tables at a fundraising dinner to be held in Harare tomorrow night, has turned its eyes on the two churches for funding.

"They [Zanu-PF] approached churches, including PHD and UFIC, asking for funding," an official, who refused to be named, said.

"The party is struggling to raise funds for the conference. Very few tables have been bought. Most companies are hard-pressed and they are failing to pay for the tables, particularly the platinum ones, because of the economic situation prevailing in the country.

"The party is fighting hard to ensure State-owned companies fork out more so that the budget can be met."

Tables at the fundraising dinner range from $10 000 for bronze to $100 000 for platinum and the guests will be addressed by Vice-President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

UFIC spokesperson Prime Kufa said he was not aware of the development, while PHD spokesperson Admire Mango could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Zanu-PF secretary for finance Obert Mpofu somewhat confirmed that the ruling party had indeed approached the charismatic preachers in its fundraising drive.

"Churches form part of the public we have been working with. We have approached all the stakeholders of Zanu-PF, people have been forthcoming," he said.