Source: President pledges US$2m towards UFIC project – herald
Yeukai Karengezeka-Chisepo-Herald Correspondent
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA has pledged US$2 million towards the construction of United Family International Church’s new church in Harare.
The pledge was announced yesterday by UFIC founder and leader Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa at his live Sunday service at the church’s Basilica in Chitungwiza.
Prophet Makandiwa expressed gratitude to the President and the First Family for the gesture, describing it as a significant contribution towards the church’s construction project.
“We also want to thank God for the hand that has become a helping hand in God’s work that we are doing. The message is coming from His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa,” he said, getting much applause from the 30 000 plus congregants who ululated, sang and danced to the great news.
Prophet Makandiwa said President Mnangagwa had acknowledged UFIC’s contribution to the nation and recalled attending the church in the past.
“He said, ‘I am aware of your works, your prayers and your contributions to this nation. I was once a part of you. I came to your church at some point and saw what you are doing. And I also heard that you are building another church and remember that inovakwa nevene vayo (it will be built by its own),’” he said. According to Prophet Makandiwa, the President told him to commence the construction work and submit quotations for the required materials.
“So he said start the work, and you find the materials that are needed, come to me, give me the quotations and he will pay US$2 million in his own personal capacity,” said Prophet Makandiwa.
He said he had a personal appreciation for President Mnangagwa and regularly prayed for him and his family.
“To me, he is not just our President. He is a man that I love. I always pray for our President and I always pray for his family. And all of us, on several occasions, we have done so because we love him,” he said.
Prophet Makandiwa prayed for continued blessings for the President and his family, saying UFIC would continue to honour and support him.
He also pledged that the church would remain accountable throughout the project and provide updates on its progress.
Prophet Makandiwa further said the ministry would welcome the appointment of a representative by President Mnangagwa to work with the church in monitoring the project.
The new church to be built in Harare is expected to be a 10 000-seater.
During the same service, Prophet Makandiwa again expressed gratitude to prominent businessman Mr Wicknell Chivayo and his wife for their US$1 million contribution towards the construction of the new church.
He also publicly acknowledged three luxury vehicles he and his wife, Ruth, received as gifts from the Chivayos.
The vehicles are a 2026 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge facelift, a 2026 Mercedes-AMG G63 G-Wagon and a 2026 Mercedes Maybach GLS 600, which prophet Makandiwa said was an anniversary gift.
UFIC spokesperson Pastor Prime Kufakunesu said the ministry was humbled by the gesture.
“This is beyond what words can explain. You saw how the people rejoiced; it shows their joy and gratitude on what the First Family has done for us as a church,” he said.
“The words of our Father, Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa summed it up. The door is still open for all those that would like to partner with the project to put their hands where the President of the nation already has.”
COMMENTS