Flamboyant Prophets: The Exploitation, Manipulation, and Illusions of Miracles by Zvakwana Nomore Sweto
This article explores one of the most sensitive topics that many people hesitate to discuss—questioning the Why, Who, Where, When, What, and How regarding accountability in a church setting.
Over the past decade, I have closely observed the emerging forms of pentecostalisation, marked by modern-day flamboyant ‘Prophets’ who lead and manage Pentecostal ministries.
I won’t hold back or flatter anyone; I’ll speak frankly.
The rise of flashy prophets has become prominent in various parts of Africa, particularly in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, and Malawi.
These self-styled “men of God” have gathered large followings, built multimillion-dollar ventures, and enjoy lifestyles comparable to Hollywood stars.
Yet, beneath the surface of glitz and glamour lies a concerning truth: the exploitation of vulnerable churchgoers, fabricated miracles, and the manipulation of faith for financial gain.
This article examines the deceptive tactics employed by these prophets, shedding light on how they mislead their followers, solicit tithes, simulate fake miracles, and live extravagantly while their congregants suffer in poverty.
A common strategy used by these flamboyant prophets to draw and retain followers is the performance of “miracles.”
These supposed miracles often involve healings, financial breakthroughs, and even alleged resurrections.
However, many of these events are staged, crafted to create an illusion of divine authority and encourage congregants to keep returning for more.
For instance, Prophet Bushiri of Malawi, known as “Major 1,” has faced allegations of staging miracles, including fabricated healings and resurrections.
In one notorious case, a man who was allegedly “raised from the dead” during one of Bushiri’s services later revealed that he was paid to portray a dead person.
Likewise, Pastor Alph Lukau of Alleluia Ministries in South Africa received heavy criticism after a video surfaced showing him supposedly resurrecting a man. Subsequent investigations disclosed that the “deceased” was fully alive and part of a carefully orchestrated event.
These staged miracles mislead congregants while exploiting their need for hope and healing.
Many followers grapple with poverty, illness, or other hardships and turn to these prophets seeking solutions.
Instead, they are met with empty promises and coerced into contributing more money in the anticipation of receiving a miracle.
This extends to sessions where congregants pay for one-on-one consultations with the “man of God.”
Another characteristic of flamboyant prophets is their continual demand for tithes and offerings.
They frequently resort to manipulative strategies to persuade congregants that donating money is a form of sowing seeds that will generate financial blessings.
This message resonates strongly in impoverished communities where individuals are desperate for ways to escape their financial predicaments.
One of Africa’s wealthiest pastors, Bishop David Oyedepo of Nigeria’s Living Faith Church, also known as Winners’ Chapel, is a leading advocate of the “prosperity gospel.”
Oyedepo has built a multimillion-dollar enterprise through tithes and offerings and owns private jets, luxury vehicles, and extensive real estate, while many of his congregants struggle to make ends meet.
Similarly, Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa of Zimbabwe’s United Family International Church (UFIC) faces criticism for his extravagant lifestyle, featuring luxury cars, high-end watches, and a multimillion-dollar mansion.
At one point, Makandiwa traveled by helicopter from South Africa to Zimbabwe for the main Sunday service in Harare.
He often assures his followers that contributing to the church is key to achieving financial breakthroughs, yet numerous followers remain ensnared in poverty.
The demand for financial contributions transcends mere profit; it concerns control.
By persuading followers that their monetary donations are crucial for receiving blessings, these prophets secure a consistent income while maintaining dominance over their congregants’ lives.
In 2015, during one church service, Makandiwa claimed to have performed an ‘instant miracle’ by praying for a woman whose legs were different sizes, stating they became equal after the prayer.
Here is the link to that alleged miracle: Watch here.
Perhaps the most evident contradiction among flamboyant prophets is the vast disparity between their wealth and the poverty endured by their congregations.
While many followers are struggling to afford life’s basic needs, these prophets indulge in opulence, showcasing their wealth on social media and public appearances.
Prophet Passion Java, a Zimbabwean preacher residing in the United States, is notorious for his lavish lifestyle, which includes luxury cars, designer outfits, and frequent vacations to exotic locales.
Known as the “Gaffa,” Java often shares videos of his wealth, even as numerous followers face dire financial conditions.
Prophet Uebert Angel, founder of Spirit Embassy Church, is famed for his collection of luxury cars.
Angel, who claims the title of “billionaire prophet,” faces scrutiny for leveraging his wealth to attract followers.
Additionally, he is allegedly involved in the ‘Gold Mafia’ from Zimbabwe, a group engaged in corrupt practices that exploit the country’s mineral resources.
The hypocrisy of these prophets is further emphasized by their personal lives. Many have been entangled in scandals involving extramarital relationships, connections with “slay queens,” and other moral improprieties.
In particular, Angel has been noted for his affinity for beautiful women and extravagant lifestyles.
A recent investigative piece I authored was suppressed by a major newspaper in Zimbabwe, labeled as “a threat” to Angel’s reputation while he served as Zimbabwe’s Presidential Envoy and Ambassador At Large to Europe and the Americas.
The article was replete with evidence of his alleged interactions with women in Dubai, with five of them presenting proof of having been exploited.
After being notified by the media organization, these women were subjected to threats from Angel’s associates. In a similar vein, Prophet Walter Magaya of Zimbabwe’s PHD Ministries has faced accusations of sexual misconduct, including claims of fathering children outside of wedlock.
At the core of the flamboyant prophet phenomenon lies the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
Many congregants are impoverished, uneducated, and desperately seeking hope.
They flock to these prophets, hoping for miracles, financial relief, and divine intervention.
Instead of discovering genuine solutions to their troubles, they find themselves manipulated into contributing their hard-earned income to sustain the extravagant lifestyles of these self-declared men of God.
An example is Apostle Kakande from Uganda, the founder of Kakande Ministries, who exemplifies this form of exploitation.
Kakande claims he possesses the ability to heal ailments and remedy financial issues, and he has been accused of imposing exorbitant charges for his services.
Numerous followers, already battling financial difficulties, are compelled to borrow money or sell their belongings to afford his “miracles.”
The exploitation of vulnerable congregants is not just a financial concern; it is also a spiritual issue.
By manipulating their followers’ faith, these prophets distort the true essence of Christianity, which revolves around love, compassion, and serving others.
Rather than aiding their congregants, they exploit them as a means to enrich themselves and maintain their authority.
Need for Accountability and Reform
The emergence of flamboyant prophets illuminates the pressing need for enhanced accountability and reform within the church.
While not every pastor or prophet engages in exploitation, the actions of a few have stained the church’s reputation and hindered its mission.
It is crucial for church leaders to place the needs of their congregants above their personal interests and to utilize resources to uplift the disadvantaged.
In conclusion, the flamboyant prophet phenomenon serves as a stark reminder of the perils of unchecked authority and the manipulation of faith.
These prophets have constructed their empires at the expense of vulnerable individuals, employing deception, manipulation, and hypocrisy to maintain their wealth and influence.
It is time for the church to take a decisive stand against such practices and to ensure that the genuine message of Christianity prevails over the pursuit of personal gain.
Only then can the church fulfill its mission of providing hope, healing, and justice to those most in need.
*The author of this article is Zvakwana Nomore Sweto, an accomplished journalist and digital marketing professional with expertise in news reporting, feature writing, and content creation. He is also a published author with four books to his credit and a passion for impactful storytelling. The views expressed by Zvakwana Nomore Sweto do not necessarily reflect those of The Bulrushes.