WATCH | MK Party distances itself from Shivambu for cosying up to fugitive pastor Bushiri

Shivambu

Cape Town – The MK (uMkhonto weSizwe) party has distanced itself from secretary-general Floyd Shivambu’s Easter visit to fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri’s church in Malawi, saying the trip was not sanctioned by the party.

Shivambu praised Bushiri on social media for his social and economic contributions, but the party clarified that he attended in a personal capacity.

MK party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela emphasised that the party does not associate with fugitives and upholds the rule of law, referencing former president Jacob Zuma’s imprisonment as an example of accepting justice.

“The uMkhonto weSizwe party wishes categorically distance itself from the recent visit by our secretary-general to the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church led by self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi,” Ndhlela said in a statement.

“The party wishes to make it unequivocally clear that this visit was not sanctioned, endorsed or initiated by the leadership or any official structure of the MK party.

“The secretary-general undertook this visit in his personal capacity and without the mandate or knowledge of the party.”

Ndlela added: “When in an unprecedented case, [former] president Zuma was sent to prison without trial under Roman-Dutch Law, he did not flee from justice but was incarcerated and served his time, even though it was a miscarriage of justice and a violation of his human rights.

“We remain firmly opposed to any association with individuals who are fugitives from justice.

“Our values are rooted in integrity, justice and accountability, and we reject any actions that compromise the reputation and ethical standing of our movement.”

Meanwhile, Shivambu praised Bushiri on social media for his community upliftment work, while Bushiri welcomed the visit and shared it publicly.

Bushiri, a controversial preacher and businessman, fled South Africa in 2020 while on bail for charges including fraud, money laundering, and rape.

Last month, a Malawian court approved his extradition, though he plans to appeal.

“Thank you, my brother, Prophet Bushiri, for hosting us and for the kind words. The government-scale amount of work you do to economically, educationally, socially and spiritually uplift our people is unparalleled now and in history.

“I know that the leadership and people of Malawi appreciate and cherish the so many massive programmes you do for the people on the ground. Continue doing the good work. The Book says, “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender”. God Bless!,” Shivambu posted on X.

Bushiri himself celebrated Shivambu’s visit, lauding his Pan-African ideals.

“Thrilled to have met Mr Floyd Shivambu! His philosophy of black people supporting each other resonated deeply. Kudos for championing pragmatic ideologies that can propel Africa forward,” he said.

“Sadly, some still peddle jealousy and negativity, labeling successful black individuals as ‘corrupt’ and ‘must be investigated,’ while praising white individuals as ‘investors.’ That’s not Pan-Africanism; that’s jealousy. Let’s move beyond politics of attrition.

“And, bonus fact: after our chat, he even stopped by our church for a prayer session. I guess you could say he wanted to ‘pray away’ any political stress or ensure his prayers were ‘politically correct’ . Either way, his visit was a blessing, and we appreciate his willingness and humility to seek divine guidance.”

According to reports, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi also condemned Shivambu’s actions, saying his visit undermined South Africa’s judiciary and sent the wrong message to the public.

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Picture: X/@psbushiri_

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Compiled by Betha Madhomu

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