A MALAWIAN-born preacher has made headlines in Southern Africa for giving his six-year-old daughter a birthday and Christmas gift with a difference: a $160,000 Maserati Levante.
Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, the founder of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church, who had a few weeks earlier bought a fleet of vehicles for his workers, posted the occasion on Facebook.
However, he made no mention of how his daughter, Israella, would be able to enjoy the imposing Italian luxury SUV – which appears to have a customised pink interior.
The preacher, who now lives in South Africa, said people should not just look at the money; rather, they should learn the importance of being there for family and, also, the need for responsible parenthood.
“A man should never neglect his family for business,” he wrote.
“This is the reason why I always take time out with my family and show them love.
“Their happiness defines my success. Celebrating the birth of our daughter, Israella Bushiri.
“It’s been a joy and heavens honour to watch her grow from being a baby to being the strong and brave child that she is today.
“I count myself blessed because not only did she give me a reason to smile but she gave me the opportunity to be called a Dad.”
I had to wait until I was 12 for my Maserati. It was a Dinky – and I still have it.
Israella will legally be able to drive the 202kW/3.0-litre turbo-diesel in 2029.
Meanwhile, she’ll probably have fun watching the 8.4-inch colour touchscreen and experimenting with the DAB+ digital radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone gizmos.
