BUSINESSMAN Wicknell Chivayo says United Family International Church founder Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa declined an undisclosed gift he offered and instead invited him to his house for prayers.
Chivayo made the disclosure on Sunday on Facebook while defending his practice of gifting luxury vehicles and cash to public figures, politicians and other prominent individuals.
“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 followers questioned his use of “gratuitously”, Chivayo responded: “I didn’t need any prayers from him.”
The remarks follow an escalating public dispute with former Norton legislator Temba Mliswa, who criticised Chivayo’s gifting culture as unnecessary and potentially harmful to public institutions. Mliswa’s criticism came after Chivayo gave gifts to legislators who publicly supported Constitution Amendment Bill No. 3.
Chivayo said his philanthropy is voluntary and recipients are free to accept or reject offers without consequence.
“In retrospect, a few have declined donations I offered them and there were never any hard feelings whatsoever,” he 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. Magwizi also turned down a donation.
Chivayo said Makandiwa’s response stood out because the preacher proposed a meeting centred on prayer and spiritual blessings instead of accepting the gift.
Makandiwa is one of Zimbabwe’s most influential religious figures. His church’s headquarters in Chitungwiza attracts thousands of worshippers weekly.
Despite the rejection, Chivayo said he remains committed to philanthropy. “The waiting list is too long,” he wrote. “I move on to the next.”
The exchange 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.
Chivayo’s high-profile gifts 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.
