Blessing Muzvongi Mashangwa Biography
Blessing Mashangwa, born Blessing Muzvongi, was a Zimbabwean businesswoman and the Operations Director of Oceane Holdings, the largest cosmetics network in Zimbabwe. She played a prominent role in the business landscape and gained public attention through her legal battles and controversies, particularly, her lawsuit against Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa. This biography provides an overview of her life, career, and notable achievements, while also addressing controversies surrounding her professional journey.
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Age
Blessing Mashangwa passed away on November 10th, 2023, at the age of 45.
Children
She is survived by four children: Tariro, Clive, Emmanuel, and Zoe.
Business Career
Blessing Mashangwa was a trailblazer in the cosmetics industry. She initiated her journey by launching AVON in Zimbabwe in 2002, later founding Oceane Perfumes in 2005. Her business prowess led to the establishment of Oceane Holdings, known for its Oceane Collection Perfumes. Over the years, she received several accolades, including the Women’s Top Business Leader of the Year and Megafest Female Entrepreneur in 2016.
Blessing Mashangwa and Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa [Image Credit: Facebook]
Legal Battles and Controversies
Suing Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa Over Fake Prophecies
In August 2017, Blessing Mashangwa, along with her husband Upenyu Mashangwa, initiated legal proceedings against Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa and his wife. The lawsuit, amounting to US$2.8 million, alleged that Makandiwa had made false prophecies that led to financial losses for the Mashangwa family. The couple, devout members of United Family International Church (UFIC) from 2014 to 2016, claimed to have generously contributed through tithes and offerings during their membership.
The allegations included claims that Makandiwa instructed them to stop repaying a loan based on a prophecy about miraculous debt cancellation. Additionally, the Mashangwas accused Makandiwa of recommending a de-registered lawyer who later defrauded them, demanding compensation amounting to US$1.7 million. The legal battle unfolded over four years, drawing significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved.
High Court Dismissal
Makandiwa, in response, sought an exception, arguing that matters of faith were beyond the jurisdiction of a secular court. However, the High Court dismissed Makandiwa’s application, asserting that he must answer for the alleged false prophecies. The court’s decision indicated that, despite the religious context, Makandiwa was not exempt from legal scrutiny in matters that had financial implications.
The lawsuit stirred controversy and discussions about the intersection of faith and the legal system. The court’s ruling set the stage for a protracted legal battle with potential implications for how religious figures were held accountable for their declarations.
Outcome Of Makandiwa Lawsuit
Despite the initial momentum gained by the Mashangwas in their legal pursuit, the final outcome of the lawsuit did not favour them. High Court Judge Owen Tagu ruled that tithes and offerings were ‘free will offerings,’ stating that they could only be recovered from God, dismissing the claim as frivolous.
The judgment highlighted the challenges of seeking legal redress for matters intertwined with religious beliefs. The decision was later ratified by the Supreme Court in 2021, marking the conclusion of the legal saga. The outcome reinforced the legal principle that matters deemed as expressions of faith, even if contested, might not find resolution within the confines of secular courts.
Blessing Mashangwa’s pursuit of justice against Prophet Makandiwa ultimately ended in a legal setback, leaving questions about the boundaries between religious beliefs and legal recourse unanswered.
Divorce
Blessing Mashangwa’s marriage to Upenyu Mashangwa fell apart in 2018. The divorce proceedings were marked by legal complexities and disputes over the division of assets. In a Facebook post, she disclosed that she was leaving the marriage with nothing from Oceane Perfumes, the business she had dedicated 15 years to building.
Court Dispute Over Matrimonial Home
Amid the divorce, Upenyu Mashangwa filed an urgent chamber application seeking access to their matrimonial home. However, Justice Rogers Manyangadze dismissed the application, stating that Upenyu failed to demonstrate a right to be in the house after applying for spoliation relief. The court highlighted the existing order barring Upenyu’s access to the matrimonial home, contributing to the rejection of his application.
The divorce proceedings and disputes over property added a layer of complexity to Blessing Mashangwa’s personal and professional life.
Relationship With Jay Israel
Blessing Mashangwa admitted to a relationship with Jay Israel amid a sex tape scandal in 2020. She apologized for her involvement, stating it was her first relationship since her divorce two years prior.
Death
Blessing Mashangwa passed away on November 10th, 2023, at a hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. The cause of her death has not been disclosed by her family.
Achievements
Aside from her business success, Mashangwa founded the Tabitha Foundation in 2016, a charity organization fully funded by her and her former husband. The foundation aimed to assist those in need with food and basic groceries.
References
- Mhepo – Everything You Need To Know About Blessing Muzvongi Mashangwa (Published on December 15, 2020)
- The Herald – Mashangwa: Fragrance connoisseur with golden heart (Published on December 10, 2020)
- iHarare – Businesswoman Blessing Mashangwa, Accuser in Prophet Makandiwa Lawsuit, Dies In South Africa (Published on November 10, 2023)
- Nehanda Radio – Prophet Makandiwa accuser Blessing Mashangwa dies in South Africa (Published on November 10, 2023)
- Daily News – Businessman loses against wife in divorce case (Published on April 5, 2022)
- The Zimbabwe News Live – Sex -Tape Scandal : Blessing Muzvongi Mashangwa Admits Relationship With Jay Israel (Published on January 25, 2020)
