By Tendai Keith Guvamombe
HARARE — Thousands of Johanne Masowe eChishanu members are tomorrow expected to throng the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport to pull off a massive, historic welcome for prominent businessman and church member, Sir Wicknell Chivayo, as he lands in his brand-new private aircraft.
Led by senior church leaders Madzibaba Moze and Madzibaba Owen, the mega-crowd from the apostolic sect will celebrate the home-coming of one of their most prominent figures. Organizers expect a historic turnout at the tarmac to catch a glimpse of the state-of-the-art aircraft.
A Historic Acquisition
Chivayo makes history as the first private Zimbabwean citizen to personally acquire a factory-fresh Gulfstream G700, an ultra-luxury jet purchased for an estimated base price of US$79 million (rising up to US$95 million with custom configurations).
The G700 is widely recognized as the pinnacle of modern business aviation, featuring the highest cruising speed and longest range in its class. Globally, ownership of this specific aircraft is restricted to an exclusive circle of international billionaires and elite corporations.
Global Church FootprintThe overwhelming reception highlights the massive mobilization power of Johanne Masowe eChishanu. As the largest indigenous Christian organization originating in Zimbabwe, the white-garment church boasts a vast global footprint.
Recent statistical consensus places the church’s global population at over 9 million followers, spanning dense networks across Zimbabwe, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, and international diaspora communities worldwide.The airport welcome is set to showcase a unique collision of profound cultural tradition and extreme modern wealth.