DAYS AFTER DINNER: Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa Joins Mourners at Gletwin Home of Late Provincial Hero Wicknell Chivayo

Reported By: Religion, Society & National Affairs Desk | Clergy: Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa (UFIC Founder)
Venue: Chivayo Residence, Gletwin, Harare | Updated: Saturday, 3 October 2026

In a deeply emotional and symbolic visit underscoring the sudden fragility of life, United Family International Church (UFIC) founder Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa arrived at the Gletwin residence in Harare to pay his respects following the tragic death of businessman and philanthropist Sir Wicknell Chivayo—just days after the two shared a private dinner on September 25.

Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa arrives at the Gletwin residence to mourn late businessman Wicknell Chivayo

FROM THE TABLE TO THE WAKE: Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa consoling the bereaved Chivayo and Muteke families in Gletwin, Harare, mere days after dining with the late Provincial Hero prior to the tragic Marondera helicopter accident.

A Final Evening Together on September 25 Just five days before Chivayo perished alongside his wife Lucy Muteke in Wednesday's helicopter crash, the charismatic tycoon had hosted and shared an evening dinner with Prophet Makandiwa, highlighting how abruptly the tragedy unfolded.

Prophet Makandiwa’s presence at the Gletwin wake comes on the heels of President Emmerson Mnangagwa officially conferring Provincial Hero status on Chivayo, cementing a weekend of high-profile state and spiritual solidarity at the family estate.

The Arrival: A Respected Prophet Pays Homage

The arrival of the UFIC spiritual leader added a solemn reverence to the gathering, which has seen state leaders, religious congregants, and ordinary citizens unite in grief.

Prophet Makandiwa, accompanied by senior UFIC pastors, was received with deep warmth by the elders of both the Chivayo and Muteke families. Entering the main family quarters, the prophet offered private prayers of comfort and spiritual fortitude to the bereaved relatives.

A Gathering of Cross-Denominational Unity Makandiwa’s presence alongside thousands of white-garment Johane Masowe apostolic sect congregants underscored Chivayo’s unique ability in life—and death—to bridge diverse Christian traditions across Zimbabwe.

The Final Dinner: The Harsh Reality of Mortality

Mourners and family associates could not escape the haunting realization of how swiftly fate altered the course of events.

From Fellowship to Funeral Wake in Five Days On Friday, September 25, Chivayo and Prophet Makandiwa enjoyed an intimate, jovial evening dinner. There was no premonition that less than a week later, the businessman and his wife would be claimed by an air crash in Marondera rural.

A Graphic Reminder of Life’s Transience Those close to the situation noted the profound impact the tragedy has had on the prophet, echoing President Mnangagwa’s sentiment from the previous night: “We didn’t know his time had come. Even here among us, we don’t know who is next.”

The Spiritual Bond: Generosity to the House of God

Wicknell Chivayo’s public devotion to Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa was well-documented and celebrated throughout his recent multi-million-dollar philanthropic wave:

• A Multi-Million Dollar Tribute: Chivayo publicly presented Prophet Makandiwa with a bespoke Rolls-Royce Cullinan alongside an unconditional US$1,000,000 cash grant, stating his profound respect for the man of God.
• Empowering Ministry Pastors: Chivayo gifted five brand-new Toyota Fortuners to senior UFIC pastors to support evangelical outreach, alongside a 2025 Mercedes-AMG G63 G-Wagon to Prophetess Ruth Makandiwa.
• Support for the Chitungwiza Basilica: Substantial contributions were directed toward the church’s infrastructure projects, demonstrating Chivayo's belief in honoring the pulpit with tangible wealth.

Spiritual Consolation for a Provincial Hero

Faith in the Midst of Calamity As Government authorities finalize the State-Assisted funeral protocols that accompany Chivayo’s Provincial Hero status, the spiritual presence of respected religious figures has brought much-needed comfort to a grieving family facing immense national attention.

The pilgrimage of national leaders, spiritual fathers, and ordinary citizens to Gletwin testifies to the singular, multi-faceted mark left by Wicknell Chivayo—a man whose wealth, faith, and sudden exit continue to resonate across the entire Zimbabwean nation.

UFIC & COMMUNITY CONDOLENCES | PRAYERS

In God's Hands: Comfort for the Bereaved

As Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa and the nation lift the Chivayo and Muteke families in prayer, we remember the enduring promise of peace beyond our earthly understanding.

May God grant eternal rest to Wicknell Chivayo and Lucy Muteke.

Add Your Prayer & Message of Comfort

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