Floyd Shivambu, the secretary-general of South Africa’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, has come under intense criticism for visiting Shepherd Bushiri, a self-proclaimed pastor who fled South Africa to Malawi after facing multiple charges, including rape and fraud.
Shivambu, a prominent figure in South Africa’s political scene, retweeted a video on X (formerly Twitter) of his attendance at an Easter service at Bushiri’s church. Bushiri, once one of southern Africa’s most well-known preachers, was arrested in 2020 on charges of fraud. After being granted bail, he managed to flee to Malawi under unclear circumstances, and South Africa has since been seeking his extradition.
Last month, a court in Malawi ruled in favor of the extradition request, but Bushiri and his wife, Mary, who also faces fraud charges, have appealed the decision. Bushiri, a millionaire, established churches in several African countries and is accused of exploiting vulnerable people, selling products like “miracle oil” and promising to cure ailments such as HIV, heal the blind, and change lives. He is also facing rape charges, which he and his wife deny.
South Africa’s Minister of Justice, Mmamoloko Kubayi, condemned Shivambu’s actions, calling his visit a “blatant act of disrespect toward South Africa’s legal system” that could encourage others to evade justice.
In response, Shivambu’s MK party issued a statement distancing itself from his visit, emphasizing that it was made “in his personal capacity and without the mandate or knowledge of the party.” The party further condemned gender-based violence and the exploitation of vulnerable communities by individuals who manipulate faith for personal gain.
Shivambu, however, praised Bushiri’s work in a post on X, stating, “Thank you my brother, Prophet Bushiri, for hosting us and for the kind words.” He lauded the pastor for his contributions to the economic, educational, and spiritual upliftment of the people in Malawi, claiming that the leadership and citizens there deeply appreciate his efforts.
Bushiri’s influence has extended far beyond South Africa, with his Jesus Nation church in Malawi attracting large crowds. Footage shared by Bushiri showed the pastor welcoming Shivambu in front of hundreds of worshippers.
Shivambu’s controversial visit has raised further questions about his political career. He joined MK, a party founded by former President Jacob Zuma, in August 2024 and was appointed secretary-general shortly thereafter. MK came third in the 2024 elections, contributing to the governing African National Congress (ANC) losing its majority for the first time since the end of apartheid.
