Makandiwa Roasted Over ‘Parallel Realities’ Sermon

UFIC leader Emmanuel Makandiwa has become the subject of sharp criticism and satire online following his now-viral sermon suggesting that Zimbabwe exists in “parallel manifestations,” and that those criticizing the country’s leadership suffer from “limited eyesight.”

“I have people that probably used to follow me, that stopped following me because they saw that I was aligned to the President (Emmerson Mnangagwa),” Makandiwa said during the sermon.

That quote, now immortalized on X (formerly Twitter), was reposted over 47,000 times within 24 hours, sparking fierce engagement and unfiltered commentary.

What began as a pulpit message has now triggered a public digital backlash, with thousands questioning the prophet’s proximity to political power, his lavish lifestyle, and what they view as spiritual gaslighting of Zimbabweans facing real struggles.

Online Voices Clap Back

“Zimbabwe’s Doctor Strange”

Leading the wave of criticism was @TarisaiMasimba_, who didn’t hold back:

“Ah yes, Prophet Makandiwa, the spiritual hustler in a designer suit, popping up again with his cosmic gibberish about ‘parallel manifestations.’ Man really thinks he’s Zimbabwe’s Doctor Strange while people are starving under the very regime he worships.”

Faith vs Family Support

Another user, @MimiNiMwafrika (Ali Naka), connected the prophet’s influence to personal decisions:

“Once upon a time, I was helping my uncle with medical treatment costs, but I stopped sending him money after his wife revealed that half of it was going to Makandiwa's church! I've adopted the same principle with anyone who seeks help from me but supports Zanu PF!”

Pop Culture Satire

Adding humour to critique, @tnnyamu likened the sermon to a Marvel script:

“He has been watching too many Marvel movies. He is explaining the plot for Ant-Man 2 going to Avengers.”

The Usual Excuses?

Others, like @SamuelElvis20, suggested this is yet another attempt to justify a political stance:

“At the end of the day they will give all kinds of excuses for supporting a failing government.”

When Religion Meets Politics

While Makandiwa didn’t name President Mnangagwa directly, his repeated references to “this manifestation” being better than alternatives—combined with his rebuke of followers who left over perceived political alignment—fueled perceptions that the message was a tacit endorsement of the ruling party.

Critics say this blurs the line between spiritual encouragement and political propaganda, especially in a country where hardship, emigration, and rising costs of living are everyday realities.

“Preach hope, yes,” wrote one user. “But don’t package it as an excuse for suffering or a vote of confidence in failure.”

Makandiwa commands a large following both in Zimbabwe and the diaspora. His words carry significant weight, especially among youths and the urban middle class.