Floyd Shivambu Faces Backlash Over Visit to Controversial Preacher Shepherd Bushiri
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A major member of one of South Africa’s biggest political parties is under fire for visiting a self-proclaimed preacher who fled to Malawi amid severe allegations of rape and fraud. Floyd Shivambu, the secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, which is affiliated with former President Jacob Zuma, garnered notoriety on social media platforms after posting footage of his participation at an Easter service at Shepherd Bushiri’s church, which is known for its controversial customs.
Mr. Bushiri, originally from Malawi, was one of southern Africa’s most prevalent evangelical preachers before being arrested in 2020 on serious fraud charges. Following being granted release on bail, he vanished in Malawi under strange circumstances, sparking worries about his avoidance of South Africa’s judicial system, which has been vigorously pursuing his extradition ever since.
Surprisingly, a Malawian court last month backed South Africa’s plea for expulsion. Nonetheless, Mr. Bushiri and his wife, Mary, who face identical fraud allegations, have filed an appeal, compounding an already difficult international legal position. Mr. Bushiri, a self-proclaimed wealthy prophet with a vast network of churches in numerous African countries, has been accused of exploiting weak people seeking help by promoting things such as “miracle oil” as remedies to their issues. He makes unsubstantiated claims of doing miraculous feats like as healing HIV, giving sight to the blind, and altering underprivileged people’s life, even claiming the power to walk on air. He and his wife both reject any claims made against them.
The MK party, led by Shivambu, then issued a statement clarifying that his visit was conducted “in his capacity and without the party’s consent or awareness.” The party reiterated its condemnation of all forms of gender-based violence and exploitation targeting vulnerable groups, including innocent Christians who may be taken advantage of for personal gain or to escape legal consequences.
In his post on X, Shivambu praised Mr. Bushiri’s “good work,” thanked him for his hospitality, and recognised the pastor’s important advances to the community’s economic, educational, social, and spiritual well-being. He observed, “The amount of effort you do is unprecedented in history. I am confident that both Malawi’s individuals and leadership recognise and appreciate the numerous effective activities you execute on the ground.”
The decision to interact with with Mr. Bushiri, coupled with the accompanying social media attention, sparked heated debate, particularly considering Shivambu’s political standing. During former President Zuma’s management, the MK party finished third in the most recently held elections, signifying the first time since 1994 that the ruling African National Congress (ANC) lost the majority. Shivambu joined MK from the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in August of the previous year and swiftly rose to the post of secretary-general, making him one of the party’s senior leaders.
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