Makandiwa Spokesperson Appointed To Broadcasting Authority Board
By Desire Tshuma
HARARE — Government has appointed United Family International Church spokesperson Prime Kufakunesu to the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe Board, placing a senior church communications official in a key statutory body that regulates the country’s broadcasting sector.
According to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, President Emmerson Mnangagwa made the appointments in terms of Section 4(2) of the Broadcasting Services Act, Chapter 12:06. Seven people have been appointed to serve on the BAZ Board for a four-year term.
Kufakunesu joins Tendai Jennifer Mandizvidza, Godfrey Mutobaya, Magna Mudyiva, Caroline Makoni, Cloud Nyamundanda and Vengai Rushwaya, also known as Chief Serima, on the new board.
The appointment puts Kufakunesu, who speaks for UFIC founded and led by Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa, at the centre of Zimbabwe’s broadcasting regulatory framework.
His elevation comes amid heightened public attention around Makandiwa and businessman Wicknell Chivayo, following a high-profile multimillion-dollar gift to the church leader. Chivayo recently pledged US$1 million towards the development of UFIC, as well as luxury vehicles for Makandiwa and his wife, Prophetess Ruth Makandiwa.
Makandiwa later displayed the US$1 million cash before his congregation. Chivayo confirmed that he had purchased a 2026 Rolls-Royce Cullinan for the prophet and a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon for his wife. The gifts have sparked wide public debate about the relationship between wealthy businessmen, religious institutions and influential public figures.
The appointment of Kufakunesu to BAZ therefore places a church communications executive with close links to one of Zimbabwe’s most prominent religious organisations on a board responsible for an important area of public interest.
The appointment itself does not establish any conflict of interest or wrongdoing. Kufakunesu’s role at UFIC and his new position at BAZ are separate. Any potential conflict would depend on the circumstances and decisions that arise during his tenure.
The Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe plays a central role in regulating broadcasting services and the licensing framework. With Zimbabwe continuing to expand its broadcasting landscape amid technological changes and the growth of digital media, the new board is expected to play a significant role in shaping the sector.
For Kufakunesu, the appointment represents a move from communicating on behalf of a major religious institution to participating in the oversight of a national broadcasting regulator. The transition is likely to attract public interest given his existing profile within UFIC.
The seven-member board will serve for four years.
