Who Is Tendai Katsiga-Magaya? The Story of ’s Wife and Her Role in PHD Ministries
Tendai Katsiga-Magaya is a prominent Zimbabwean religious figure, primarily known as the wife of Prophet Walter Magaya, the founder of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries. Long seen as a supportive partner, she has now been thrust into the center of major legal battles alongside her husband, facing multiple fraud charges.
Early Life, Marriage & Family
Born Tendai Katsiga on August 20th, much of her early life and educational background remains undisclosed to the public. However, she is widely reported to be a "banker by profession," indicating a career in the financial sector before or alongside her duties within the ministry. This background has come under scrutiny given the nature of the financial charges she now faces.
Tendai Katsiga-Magaya is famously known for her long-standing marriage to Prophet Walter Magaya. The couple celebrated their 15th wedding anniversary in 2022, a union often described as a strong partnership central to the success of PHD Ministries. Together, they have two children, a daughter named Yadah Makanaka and a son, Walter Junior, who have been raised within the high-profile context of their parents' religious activities.
Role in the Ministry
Within Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries, Tendai is an active and key figure. She is affectionately referred to as ‘Mother Tendai’ or ‘Mama Magaya’ by the church's followers. While her specific official roles are not always detailed, her presence and support have been seen as integral to the ministry's growth and public image.
In April 2014, reports suggested she accompanied her husband to Nigeria to meet his "Spiritual Father," TB Joshua. It was rumoured that she stayed behind for two months to undergo ‘Prophetess training’ at the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN). However, these claims were swiftly refuted with a statement clarifying that SCOAN does not provide such training, asserting that prophetesses are trained by God, not by a church.
Legal & Financial Controversies
In 2014, Tendai was embroiled in a vehicle-related legal incident. A Landrover Discovery 4, valued at $116,000 and donated to her by a church overseer for her birthday, was confiscated by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA). The seizure was due to duty evasion, as the third party contracted to import the vehicle had allegedly falsified customs documents and paid only $900 in duty.
In 2019, the couple's finances came under intense scrutiny. It was reported that Prophet Magaya received a monthly salary of $40,000, while Tendai received $15,500 monthly. These substantial incomes were flagged for alleged tax violations, including failure to pay appropriate taxes and falsifying tax returns related to exports.
In November 2025, Tendai Katsiga-Magaya was arrested alongside her husband and jointly charged on 13 counts of fraud. Court documents allege she acted in connivance with her husband and their companies to defraud congregants. Specifically, the State claims she was "in the forefront" of negotiating a one-season farming contract for Dr. Gideon Gono's farm. The prosecution alleges she was present when her husband misrepresented himself as the farm's owner to investors and "did not disclose" the truth, making her complicit in the alleged scheme. She was remanded in custody pending a ruling on her application for release.
Frequently Asked Questions
As of November 2025, she faces 13 counts of fraud. She is jointly charged with her husband, Walter Magaya, and their companies in an alleged scheme to defraud congregants of over US$1.6 million by misrepresenting land ownership.
The State alleges she helped negotiate the farming contract for Gideon Gono's farm and was present when her husband falsely claimed ownership of it to investors. The prosecution claims she failed to correct this misrepresentation.
She is widely reported to be a banker by profession, although specific details of her career in banking have not been made public.
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