Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
UNITED Family International Church (UFIC) leader Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa has commissioned a multi-million-dollar auditorium in Kwekwe, marking a major infrastructure milestone in the development of the mining town.
Prophet Makandiwa, who was in Kwekwe alongside Prophetess Ruth Makandiwa for a four-day conference, officially opened the facility on Sunday as the Apostolic Summit, hosted by Apostle Joy and Pastor Mary Museba of New Creation Life Ministries International (NCL), drew to a close.
The summit attracted thousands of delegates from across Zimbabwe and beyond, including the United Kingdom, Ghana and South Africa.
The event also featured performances by gospel musicians, among them Blessing Jeduthum, Mathias Mhere, Joyous Celebration, The Unveiled, Minister Ellard and Sheron Cherayi, and Batsirai Shasha, who led delegates in praise and worship.
Located in Mbizo 10, the Life Centre boasts a 2 500-seater main auditorium and a 500-seater junior auditorium, the latter constructed within a record 100 days.
Speaking during the official opening ceremony, Prophet Makandiwa said the facility would serve a purpose beyond the local community, positioning Kwekwe as a destination for spiritual gatherings and transformation.
“This facility is not only for Kwekwe, but the whole continent and the whole world. This is a place where lives will be transformed, and we expect God to be working miraculously in this place,” he said.
Prof Makandiwa also commended his spiritual son, Apostle Joy Museba, for investing in the project, praising his commitment to excellence and transparency.
“The level of excellence in this place is a reflection of the excellence that your Apostle has. Apostle Joy is the best son you can ever ask for. Well-cooked, well-refined. I want to thank him for being transparent,” he said.
“He could have used the money on something else, but he chose to invest it in something that is beneficial to the community,” said Prophet Makandiwa.
Kwekwe Mayor Councillor Albert Zinhanga said the development would enhance the city’s profile and contribute to its growing infrastructure.
“We’re really proud to be associated with NCL and Apostle Joy, who spearheaded the construction of this auditorium. It goes a long way in putting Kwekwe on the map,” he said.
“You might be aware that we’ve made significant strides as a city regarding infrastructure. This is one of the structures we’ll be referring to as we position Kwekwe among the fastest-growing cities in the country. Thank you to the NCL family for such a life-changing facility,” he said.
Ward 10 Councillor Thomas Mahapa said the development had also helped transform an area previously associated with drug and substance abuse.
“This was a bush before this church was constructed. We are grateful for this development, as it has helped eradicate the drug and substance abuse, which had become the order of the day at the venue.
The place has since transformed from a drug haven into a beautiful place of worship,” he said.
Although officially commissioned, the Life Centre is still undergoing final touches, with further work expected to enhance the facility and establish it as one of Kwekwe’s landmark structures.
