By Religious Reporter-Self-styled prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa has officially launched his controversial spiritual powers challenge, with applicants turning up for the event.

Makandiwa had initially announced that 700 supernatural applicants had responded to his challenge, which promised a $1 million reward to anyone who could correctly reveal what he would have in his pocket.

The announcement was met with widespread scepticism, with critics branding it a publicity stunt designed to reinforce his hold over his followers.

A Challenge Shrouded in Controversy

Last week, Makandiwa threw down the gauntlet to ordinary people, traditional healers (sangomas), and fellow prophets, inviting them to a public test of their supposed spiritual powers. The challenge, which he claimed was aimed at exposing fake spiritual figures, extended beyond Zimbabwe’s borders to Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda.

“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.

He pledged to reward anyone who successfully completed the challenge with $1 million but admitted he did not have the money and would need to borrow it if necessary.

“I don’t have the money, but we will sign an agreement, and you can sue me. It’s not a joke,” he stated.

Additionally, he promised to fly challengers to Zimbabwe at his own expense—but on the condition that they reimburse him if they failed.

Makandiwa and the Business of Prophetic Deception

Makandiwa’s latest move has sparked further scrutiny of his ministry and the broader trend of prophetic deception in Zimbabwe. Like his counterparts Walter Magaya, Passion Java, and Uebert Angel, Makandiwa has built a religious empire based on so-called prophetic miracles, faith healings, and prosperity gospel promises.

For years, these charismatic prophets have been accused of manipulating desperate Zimbabweans through fake miracles, misleading prophecies, and financial exploitation. The rise of these church leaders coincided with Zimbabwe’s economic collapse, offering a mirage of hope to suffering citizens willing to part with their last dollar for divine intervention.

A History of Fake Miracles

Makandiwa, Magaya, Java, and Angel have all been linked to controversial spiritual claims that were later debunked:

• Fake Healings: Magaya was exposed for falsely claiming to heal HIV and cancer using ‘anointed’ pills. Victims who stopped taking their medication based on his claims later suffered severe health complications.
• Miracle Money: Both Makandiwa and Uebert Angel have staged performances where they allegedly caused money to appear in people’s bank accounts or pockets. Financial institutions later debunked these claims as fraudulent.
• Resurrections and Supernatural Claims: Makandiwa once claimed to have seen a vision of a Zimbabwean leader’s death, while Java has repeatedly staged bizarre stunts, including ‘raising the dead’ and ‘predicting’ trivial events that he was later caught orchestrating.
• Gold Smuggling and Money Laundering: Uebert Angel, a self-proclaimed prophet and Zimbabwe’s presidential envoy for investment, has been implicated in gold smuggling operations, with leaked recordings allegedly exposing his involvement in illicit financial dealings.
• Lavish Lifestyles vs. Poor Followers: Passion Java flaunts his wealth on social media, including luxury cars and expensive vacations, while his congregants remain in dire poverty. His flamboyant displays often raise questions about the source of his income.

Religious Scholars and Fellow Prophets React

Makandiwa’s latest stunt has drawn mixed reactions from religious scholars, fellow preachers, and the public.

Prominent Bible scholar Fungai Maponga criticized Makandiwa for using money as a measure of spiritual power, likening it to Jesus’s temptation by the devil in the wilderness.

“We respect Prophet Makandiwa as a teacher of the Word, but pledging money was a mistake. Jesus’ powers were tested by the devil, but he responded with scripture. Makandiwa has failed his own test of integrity by offering money—how is he different from the false prophets and sangomas he is challenging?” Maponga questioned.

Meanwhile, Makandiwa’s rivals have used the opportunity to mock his challenge.

Prophet Passion Java dismissed Makandiwa’s credibility and countered with his own dare:

“On Sunday, VaMakandiwa, ndirikuuya nechirema chikafamba, ndokupai US$10 million.”

(“On Sunday, Makandiwa, I am coming with a crippled person—if they walk, I will give you US$10 million.”)

Miracle Paul, a Chitungwiza-based prophet, warned those attempting to win the money to be cautious, hinting at potential spiritual repercussions:

“Chenjerai kuti munodzoka musisawone kana chinhu ikoko,”

(“Be careful that you don’t return empty-handed or worse.”)

Followers Still Defend Makandiwa

Despite the backlash, Makandiwa’s supporters continue to defend him. Some have compared his challenge to Elijah’sbiblical showdown with the prophets of Baal, arguing that he is simply exposing false prophets.

“Elijah dealt heavily with false prophets. We want Makandiwa to do the same,” said one unnamed supporter.

However, critics argue that this is yet another manipulation tactic aimed at cementing his influence and keeping his followers enthralled.

Makandiwa has remained silent amid the controversy, with his spokesperson, Prophet Prime Kufa, stating that the church leader would not entertain further questions.

“A number of media houses have called seeking an interview with Prophet Makandiwa, but he said he is not taking any questions. He has said everything in the circulating post.”

Conclusion: Genuine Test or a Power Play?

Makandiwa’s challenge has undoubtedly reignited the debate about the role of self-proclaimed prophets in Zimbabwe’sreligious and economic landscape. While some view it as a bold move to expose frauds, others see it as another calculated performance to maintain his dominance in the religious business.

As the spectacle unfolds, one question remains: Is Makandiwa genuinely exposing false prophets, or is this another grand illusion designed to keep the faithful entranced?