A packed congregation erupted into cheers, whistles and applause on Sunday as megachurch pastor Emmanuel Makandiwa displayed US$1 million in cash he received from controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo.
Twenty plastic-wrapped bundles of US$100 notes were laid out before the worshippers at his United Family International Church (UFIC) in Chitungwiza.
Makandiwa, 48, who was born Shingirai Chirume, told the cheering congregants the moment was prophetic.
“This is actually a prophecy. The next bag is coming from you to the altar,” he said. “It cannot be that you go to your grave without delivering a million dollars here.”
The public display came just days after Chivayo announced the gift on X on 2 August. The businessman said the donation was inspired by Makandiwa’s vision to build a church.
“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.
Chivayo said the cash donation was “not about a man, but it’s about the work of God.”
Makandiwa had initially declined the money privately before telling his followers he was now open to accepting the gift.
In addition to the cash, he is set to receive a brand new 2026 Rolls-Royce Cullinan, while his wife Ruth will receive a new Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.
The US$1 million presentation is the latest in a series of high-profile donations by Chivayo to church leaders. Zion Christian Church leader Nehemiah Mutendi has received over US$4 million from him, while Spirit Embassy founder Uebert Angel has also received more than US$1 million.
Not all leaders have accepted. Eunor Guti, widow of the late ZAOGA founder Ezekiel Guti, turned down Chivayo’s offer of US$2 million in cash and a top-of-the-range Toyota valued at over US$300,000.
An analysis of Chivayo’s publicised donations published on 13 July showed that he had given at least US$43.9 million to more than 120 individuals and organisations since March 2024 — an average of about US$52,000 a day. With some donations undisclosed, the total could be significantly higher, according to estimates.
Since then, he has continued his high-profile giving, including multimillion-dollar donations to religious groups and prominent figures.
Chivayo frequently cites scripture to explain his philanthropy, although critics argue the donations are part of a broader effort to court influential figures in support of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his policies.
The donations have coincided with open declarations of political allegiance by some church leaders.
On Thursday, the president of the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe, Reverend Amon Madawo, publicly declared his allegiance to ZANU PF during celebrations to mark the completion of the AFM Vineyard Assembly church building in Norton.
Madawo praised President Mnangagwa for his financial support towards the project, saying the President donated US$300,400 to help complete the development, as well as a bus and a top-of-the-range vehicle.
In June this year, the President also presented Madawo with a Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series ZX as a personal gift.
More: ZimLive
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