Evangelist Makandiwa launches newspaper

By Chris Goko

HARARE – Popular evangelist Emmanuel Makandiwa is launching a monthly magazine and possibly a newspaper. The charismatic preacher, who commands one of Zimbabwe’s fastest growing churches, has been given a licence to run the venture.

“Yes, it’s true. The United Family International Church (UFIC) applied for a licence and it was granted on March 8,” Zimbabwe Media Commission chairperson Godfrey Majonga said yesterday, adding the publication would be known as The Family.

Following in the footsteps of Celebration Ministries International’s Tom Deuschle, the Nigerian-based Synagogue Church of All Nations (Scoan) and Christ Embassy’s Chris Oyakhilome, the UFIC founder is hoping to “rack it” with church paraphernalia and merchandise.

Other established churches such as Celebration Ministries International, Scoan and Christ Embassy have effectively used such media channels as newspapers, magazines, television and radio stations to grow their fellowship beyond their own countries.

Apart from tithes, these churches fund their activities from this growing and ever-increasing industry in the religious sectors. As it is, one is often hit by Makandiwa’s church flags and calendars in people’s cars, and homes in most parts of Zimbabwe. The phenomenon is growing amid reports that he is preparing to extend his religious tentacles beyond Zimbabwean borders.

And with increasing hardships and other social pressures globally, modern-day churches are not only swelling up their numbers, but coffers as well through such innovative media tools as brochures, DVDs, newspapers and even live television broadcasts.

On top of the newspaper titles, the youthful pastor is said to be preparing to launch his state-of-the-art public address system soon whose components were acquired recently in the United States and Europe. The system is said to be the only one of its kind in Africa.

The plan, church insiders say, was part of efforts to bolster his “voice, reach and ministry” — in a sector where technology and publicity play a major role in growing the brand. Having burst on the scene a few years ago, Makandiwa has courted both controversy and admiration from a cross-section of Zimbabweans as well as regional followers.

Late last year, the 34-year-old churchman took an American sabbatical after reported clashes and friction with certain Zanu PF officials over his decision to snub the party’s alleged plan to use him for its political campaigns countrywide.

The lanky preacher has also been in the news over his mega Chitungwiza church and structure, which is set to accommodate up to 50 000 worshippers on completion. The church is easing into shape and stands out in the sprawling suburb of Chitungwiza.

As one of the biggest “prosperity gospel” proponents where members are urged to live in splendour including lavish cars, Makandiwa has caught many people’s imagination with his healing and benevolence, especially to church members.

Recently, the UFIC leader showered a Waterfalls couple and one of the Mahendere Brothers gospel singers with a house, and a Mercedes Benz vehicle as gifts for their wedding.

The Mashonaland Central-born evangelist is part of a growing band of younger generation preachers to come after the likes of Phanuel Chiweshe — his late mentor — the Zimbabwe Assemblies of God in Africa’s Ezekiel Guti and the pioneering Andrew Wutawunashe, founder of the Family of God Church.

Observers also say Makandiwa’s plan to hit the print is just but an expansion of his commercial ventures — at some point thought to include car sales and other enterprises. Daily News