Makandiwa declined Chivayo gift, offered prayers instead

Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has revealed that prominent preacher Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa declined an undisclosed gift he had offered and instead proposed to pray for him, a gesture Chivayo says he neither sought nor appreciated.

The disclosure emerged as Chivayo defended his controversial practice of gifting luxury vehicles and cash to public figures, politicians and influential personalities.

Writing on his Facebook page on Sunday, Chivayo said the founder of the United Family International Church (UFIC), Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa, and his wife had chosen not to accept a donation he had offered.

"Prophet Makandiwa and his wife instead gratuitously offered to invite me to his house to pray for me to have more blessings in order to bless others," Chivayo wrote.

When questioned by followers about his use of the word "gratuitously," Chivayo responded bluntly: "I didn't need any prayers from him."

The remarks came amid an escalating public dispute between Chivayo and former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa over the businessman's widely publicised donations to politicians and other prominent individuals.

Mliswa recently criticised Chivayo's gifting culture, describing it as unnecessary and potentially harmful to public institutions, particularly in light of recent gifts made to legislators who publicly supported the controversial Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3.

In response, Chivayo argued that his philanthropy is entirely voluntary and that recipients are free to either accept or reject his offers without consequence.

He cited several examples of individuals who had declined donations without any fallout.

"In retrospect, a few have declined donations I offered them and there were never any hard feelings whatsoever," Chivayo said.

"Known examples are Mrs Guti from ZAOGA and the president of ZIFA Nqobile Magwizi."

According to Chivayo, Eunor Guti declined an offer of US$2 million and a Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series, while Nqobile Magwizi also turned down a donation.

While Chivayo insisted that he respects the decisions of those who reject his gifts, his comments suggested that Makandiwa's response stood out from the others.

Rather than accepting the donation, the preacher reportedly proposed a meeting centred on prayer and spiritual blessings.

Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa is one of Zimbabwe's most influential religious figures, commanding a large following through his church and television ministry.

His church's headquarters in Chitungwiza attracts thousands of worshippers and has made him one of the country's most recognisable religious leaders.

Despite the rejection, Chivayo said he remains committed to his philanthropic activities and would continue extending assistance to others.

"The waiting list is too long," he wrote.

"I move on to the next."

The revelation has sparked fresh debate on social media, with some users praising Makandiwa's decision to decline material gifts while others defended Chivayo's right to donate his wealth as he sees fit.

The exchange adds another chapter to the growing public discussion around Chivayo's high-profile gifts, which have attracted both admiration and criticism as he continues to reward individuals he says have impressed him through their work, loyalty or contributions to society.