Prophet Makandiwa displays US$1m Chivayo gift

UNITED Family International Church (UFIC) founder Emmanuel Makandiwa on Sunday displayed US$1 million in cash donated to him by businessman Wicknell Chivayo, weeks after initially declining the gift.

Twenty plastic-wrapped bundles containing US$100 notes were laid out before a packed congregation, drawing cheers, whistles and applause from worshippers.

Makandiwa, 48, who was born Shingirai Chirume, had initially rejected the donation before later accepting it.

"This is actually a prophecy. The next bag is coming from you to the altar," Makandiwa told congregants.

"It cannot be that you go to your grave without delivering a million dollars here."

The church leader is also set to receive a brand-new 2026 Rolls-Royce Cullinan from Chivayo, while his wife, Ruth, is expected to receive a new Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.

Chivayo said the US$1 million donation was intended to support the development of the church rather than benefit an individual.

"This is not about a man but it's about the work of God," Chivayo said.

"You spoke about construction so I will gladly donate US$1 million for the development of this church and for the vision you shared of building God's house," he wrote on X when announcing the donation on August 2.

Makandiwa is not the first prominent Zimbabwean church leader to receive a major gift from Chivayo.

Zion Christian Church leader Nehemiah Mutendi has reportedly received more than US$4 million from the businessman, while Spirit Embassy founder Uebert Angel has also received more than US$1 million.

Eunor Guti, widow of the late ZAOGA founder Ezekiel Guti, previously declined a US$2 million cash offer from Chivayo as well as a luxury Toyota vehicle reportedly valued at more than US$300,000.

An analysis of Chivayo's publicly announced donations published on July 13 found that he had given at least US$43.9 million to more than 120 individuals and organisations since March 2024.

That amounted to an average of roughly US$52,000 a day at the time, although the overall figure could be considerably higher because some donations were not publicly disclosed.

Chivayo has continued his high-profile philanthropy since then, announcing multimillion-dollar gifts to religious organisations and prominent individuals.

The businessman, who is a close associate of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has built his wealth largely through state-linked contracts.

He frequently invokes biblical scripture when explaining his philanthropy. However, critics have questioned the political dimensions of his giving, arguing that his donations also help strengthen relationships with influential figures and institutions supportive of Mnangagwa and his policies.

In a post on X on July 26, Chivayo quoted Proverbs 11 while reflecting on his approach to giving:

"There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself."

Makandiwa's acceptance and public display of the US$1 million donation adds to a growing list of high-value gifts Chivayo has made to Zimbabwe's religious leaders, institutions and prominent personalities.