HARARE – United Family International Church founder Emmanuel Makandiwa on Sunday displayed US$1 million in cash that he received as a gift from businessman Wicknell Chivayo.

Makandiwa had initially declined the money before making a volte-face.

Twenty plastic-wrapped bundles of US$100 notes were laid out before a packed congregation, which erupted into cheers, whistles and applause.

“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.”

Makandiwa, 48, who was born Shingirai Chirume, is also set to receive a brand new 2026 Rolls-Royce Cullinan from Chivayo, while his wife Ruth will get a new Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon.

Chivayo said the cash donation was “not about a man but it’s about the work of God.”

“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,” Chivayo wrote on X when announcing the gift on August 2.

Makandiwa is not the first church leader to receive a gift from Chivayo. Zion Christian Church leader Nehemiah Mutendi has received over US$4 million from him, while Spirit Embassy founder Uebert Angel has also been given more than US$1 million.

Eunor Guti, widow of the late ZAOGA founder Ezekiel Guti, previously turned down Chivayo’s US$2 million cash offer and a top-of-the-range Toyota valued at over US$300,000.

An analysis of Chivayo’s publicised donations published on July 13 showed 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, Chivayo has continued his high-profile giving, including multimillion-dollar donations to religious groups and prominent figures.

Chivayo, a close associate of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, made his fortune through state contracts.

He 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 Mnangagwa and his policies.

Quoting Proverbs 11 on X on July 26, Chivayo wrote: “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.”