By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Self-styled Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa has ignited controversy with a bold challenge to ordinary people, traditional healers, and fellow prophets, urging them to a public test of their so-called spiritual powers.
Known for his striking prophecies and extravagant lifestyle, Makandiwa has pledged to give US$1 million to anyone who can correctly reveal what he has in his pocket.
However, in a twist, Makandiwa admitted that he does not actually have that amount of money on hand and would need to borrow it to fulfill his promise should someone prove him wrong.
He has extended this challenge beyond Zimbabwe’s borders to Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda, claiming his aim is to expose self-proclaimed spiritual figures as frauds.
“If anyone can prophesy and if there is a witch doctor who can see, who gets told things by demons, we can arrange for you to come here on Sunday,” Makandiwa declared.
“We are not praying for each other. I will just put something in my pocket, and the one who tells me what it is will get US$1 million. I don’t have the money, but we will sign an agreement, and you can sue me. It’s not a joke,” Makandiwa declared.
Makandiwa has gone so far as to offer to fly challengers to Zimbabwe at his own expense on the condition that they reimburse him if they fail.
This latest stunt has fueled debate about Makandiwa’s motives, with critics alleging it is a calculated attempt to maintain his grip on his desperate followers.
The challenge has also drawn mixed reactions from religious scholars and fellow prophets.
Prominent Bible scholar Fungai Maponga warned that Makandiwa might be falling into a satanic trap by using money as a test of power a move reminiscent of Jesus’ temptation by the devil in the wilderness.
“We respect Prophet Makandiwa as a teacher of the Word, but pledging money was a mistake,” Maponga stated.
Meanwhile Prophet Passion Java dismissed Makandiwa’s credibility and countered with his own dare.
“On Sunday, Makandiwa, I am coming with a crippled person if they walk, I will give you US$10 million,” Java stated.
Meanwhile, Miracle Paul, a Chitungwiza-based prophet, cautioned those attempting to win the money to tread carefully, suggesting that spiritual consequences could follow.
“Be careful that you don’t return empty-handed or worse,” Miracle Paul stated.
Despite the backlash, some of Makandiwa’s supporters have praised his challenge, comparing it to the biblical showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal.
“Elijah dealt heavily with false prophets. We want Makandiwa to do the same,” said one supporter who declined to be named.
As the drama unfolds, Makandiwa’s challenge is set to put both his spiritual claims and the credibility of his challengers to the test.