Prophet Obey Tichafa Mukanhairi has apologised over reports concerning a parable he shared during a recent sermon, saying his message about Zimbabwe’s mineral...
Prophet Obey Tichafa Mukanhairi has apologised over reports concerning a parable he shared during a recent sermon, saying his message about Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth was misquoted and taken out of context.
In a press statement dated October 15, 2026, issued through the Office of Prophet Mukanhairi of Mellontik Orasi Ministries International, the cleric said parts of his message had caused confusion and concern among members of the public.
The statement, addressed to H-Metro, sought to clarify the meaning of the parable following reports and social media posts about the sermon.
According to the statement, the message was intended to encourage Zimbabweans by highlighting the country’s natural resources and the potential wealth they represent.
“The point was that Zimbabwe is a mineral-rich nation. It is not a poor country, as much of the world thinks,” the statement said.
The ministry said Zimbabwe’s natural resources, including minerals that may remain undiscovered, provided grounds for hope and confidence in the country’s future.
However, Prophet Mukanhairi’s office rejected interpretations suggesting that the sermon claimed minerals were located beneath the National Sports Stadium or any other specific national site.
“The Prophet did not say, and did not mean to suggest, that there are minerals or anything else beneath the National Sports Stadium, or under any other specific national site,” the statement said.
The office said interpretations linking the parable to a particular location went beyond the intended meaning of the message. It maintained that the sermon was intended to communicate a broader point about Zimbabwe’s mineral wealth rather than make claims about the presence of resources beneath a named public facility.
The statement also contained an apology to people who were disturbed, confused or offended by the way the message was reported and understood.
“We did not mean to cause alarm, spread misinformation, or create any concern about national property or institutions,” the office said, adding that it regretted that the message had not been delivered more clearly.
The ministry said it remained committed to promoting messages of hope, unity and progress in Zimbabwe. It also pledged to take greater care to ensure its teachings were communicated clearly and responsibly in future.
The office called on members of the public and the media to use the statement as the accurate account of what the prophet intended to communicate.
The statement concluded with the words, “May God bless Zimbabwe,” and was signed by Prophet Obey Tichafa Mukanhairi.
