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Prophetess Dr Ruth Makandiwa with one of the children at Harare Children’s Home where she celebrated her birthday by giving goodies to the children and other charities

Yeukai Karengezeka and Victoria Ruzvidzo
United Family International Church (UFIC) Prophetess Dr Ruth Makandiwa recently celebrated her birthday in her trademark fashion, by donating groceries worth US$11 000 to orphans and widows.The celebrations, attended by at least 1 000 people were held at Harare Children’s Home. Some of the orphanages that benefited from her helping hand were Tanyaradzwa Children’s Home in Murehwa, Redemption Children’s Home, Danai Children’s Home and the host Harare Children’s Home.

This comes just a few months after Prophetess Makandiwa was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters (DHL) Degree by the International Institute of Philanthrophy.

This was in recognition of her charity work that has seen thousands of orphans, widows and other needy people receive clothing, food, school fees, accommodation and other basics.

She is also the patron the UFIC charity arm; Agape family Care, under which large sums of money have been invested into the lives of the needy over the last few years.

History has recorded that even in their early years of ministry, Prophetess Makandiwa and her husband Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa would give away their own bed and stove when they saw someone in need.

UFIC spokesperson Pastor Prime Kufakunesu said it has become a culture for the prophetess to celebrate her birthday with the less privileged people. “The prophetess started this in 2009, she has passion for street kids, orphans, widows and the elderly and despite her status she decides to dine with the less privileged members of the society.

“It is a privilege for the children to see the other side of the society because we believe prophets are a gift to a nation which should be enjoyed by everybody.

“She extends her hand even outside of Harare and has recently donated to an old people’s home in Bulawayo and pays rentals for them,” he said.

She spent the better part of the day interacting with the children, serving food and handing them gifts.

One of the beneficiaries Gogo Matenga (65) said she was humbled by the gesture.

“I am overwhelmed by what Prophetess Makandiwa has done for us, may God grant her long life. We are often forgotten but we appreciate such people like her in our society and people should emulate her,” she said.

The children were entertained by the gospel diva Joyce Simeti, Flem B and the rising dance group Ses’fikile.

The event was also graced by Prophetess Makandiwa’s mother Elizabeth Makawa and mother-in law Gogo Makandiwa.

Last year Prophetess Makandiwa celebrated her birthday at the same venue where she threw a party and donated clothes, stationery and goodies to at least 300 children from four orphanages including Tanyaradzwa Children’s Home in Murehwa, Kutenda Orphanage from Bindura and Redemption Care Centre.