Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa has stirred controversy among fellow spiritual leaders after issuing a bold challenge to them, offering a reward of US$1 million for anyone who can accurately prophesy what will be in his pocket on Sunday.
While some religious figures have accepted the challenge, others have sharply criticized it, deeming it an attention-seeking stunt.
Among the critics is Andby Makururu, the leader of Johanne The Fifth of Africa, a religious movement with millions of followers both in Zimbabwe and abroad.
Makururu described Makandiwa’s challenge as “anti-Christ” and urged people to avoid engaging in such activities, which he believes make a mockery of God.
“I don’t want to talk about such issues because they are making a fool out of God,” Makururu stated. “This is anti-Christ. People should not do this.”
Chitungwiza-based clergyman Miracle Paul also questioned the motives behind the US$1 million bet, suggesting that it was more about seeking attention than any genuine spiritual purpose.
“This is not how God’s work operates,” Paul said. “If he wants that, I also challenge him to come to a neutral venue and be part of the challenge. We find independent people, who bring bags and we tell them what is inside.”
Adding to the controversy, the well-known preacher Passion Java took a more confrontational approach, challenging Makandiwa to demonstrate his prophetic powers by healing people living with disabilities.
“On Saturday, Mr. Makandiwa, I will bring a person with mobility impairment. If you manage to make them walk, I will give you US$10 million,” Java said, turning the challenge into a public spectacle.
Meanwhile, traditional healer Arnold Mulambo, also known as Sekuru Gachidza, dismissed modern-day self-styled prophets as mere pretenders. He suggested that many of them go underground for spiritual initiation, implying that their claims to divine power were not authentic.
Makandiwa’s challenge has ignited a heated debate within the religious community, with many questioning the true intentions behind his provocative stunt.
While some see it as an opportunity to test prophetic powers, others believe it undermines the sanctity of spiritual leadership.
As the drama unfolds, it remains to be seen how the religious community will respond to the ongoing challenge.
For comments, Feedback and Opinions do get in touch with our editor on WhatsApp: +44 7949 297606.
