Harare – Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa, the founder and leader of the United Family International Church (UFIC), has stirred a hornet’s nest within Zimbabwe’s religious community with his audacious challenge to fellow prophets and traditional healers: predict the contents of his pocket on Sunday for a reward of US$1 million.
The challenge, delivered during a church service last Sunday, has been met with a mix of acceptance, condemnation, and outright ridicule, exposing deep fault lines and rivalries within the country’s vibrant religious landscape.
Makandiwa, known for his flamboyant style and penchant for controversy, extended an open invitation to anyone claiming spiritual powers, stating: “If there is a witch doctor who can see, who gets told things by demons. I can arrange that you come here on Sunday.”
He elaborated on the terms of the challenge: “I won’t do anything difficult. I will put something in my pocket. The one who can tell me what is in my pocket. I will go and borrow US$1 million, and in front of all these people, we sign. We will sign an agreement where you will sue me.”
The UFIC founder emphasised the potential benefits of winning the challenge, stating: “It means with US$1 million, you will be able to buy a stand for the church and PA System. I’m ready.”
Rival Prophets Respond with Challenges and Warnings
The million-dollar challenge has drawn a range of responses from other prominent Zimbabwean religious figures. Prophet Passion Java, known for his flamboyant lifestyle and controversial pronouncements, countered Makandiwa’s offer with a significantly larger challenge of his own.
“On Saturday, Mr. Makandiwa, I will bring a person with mobility impairment. If you manage to make them walk, I will give you US$10 million,” Java declared, raising the stakes considerably.
Another preacher, Miracle Paul, issued a stark warning to religious leaders against accepting Makandiwa’s challenge, suggesting it could be a ploy to steal their spiritual powers. “This is not how God’s work operates,” Paul cautioned.
Traditional Healer Weighs In With Scorn
Traditional healer Arnold Mulambo (Sekuru Gachidza) offered a scathing assessment of modern-day self-styled prophets, accusing them of seeking spiritual initiation through dubious means. “I have dealt with a lot of these prophets, who come to me for powers,” Mulambo claimed.
Makandiwa Announces Special Address
Adding to the intrigue, Makandiwa announced a special address to be broadcast on his YouTube channel on Wednesday evening, fueling speculation about his next move.
While the specific reason for the address remains unclear, it has sparked a flurry of reactions online, with some praising Makandiwa’s prophetic abilities and others speculating that he will address the controversy surrounding the million-dollar challenge.
Past Controversies Haunt Makandiwa
Makandiwa’s challenge comes against a backdrop of past controversies. In 2021, he and his wife were sued for millions of dollars over alleged “fake prophecies, fraud and defamation”.
He has also faced accusations of using occult powers and charms to attract followers, and has been criticised for promoting “miracle money” schemes during Zimbabwe’s economic crisis.
The million-dollar prophecy challenge has undoubtedly thrust Makandiwa back into the spotlight, sparking a fierce debate about the nature of prophecy, the role of religious leaders, and the boundaries of faith. As Zimbabweans eagerly await Sunday’s showdown, the controversy is likely to continue to unfold in the days to come.
