South African Politician Faces Backlash Over Controversial Visit to Fugitve Pastor

Floyd Shivambu, secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe party, is criticized for visiting fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri, who fled to Malawi after facing serious fraud and rape allegations. South Africa's government and Shivambu's party condemned the visit, questioning its legality and moral implications.

In a move that has sparked controversy and condemnation, Floyd Shivambu, the secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party in South Africa, recently visited Shepherd Bushiri, a self-proclaimed pastor who is currently a fugitive in Malawi. Bushiri is wanted in South Africa for serious allegations that include fraud and rape.

The visit gained attention when Shivambu retweeted a video of himself attending an Easter service at Bushiri's church, which garnered significant backlash from the South African public and officials alike. In 2020, Bushiri was arrested for fraud and after being granted bail, he fled back to Malawi under questionable circumstances. Since then, South Africa has been actively pursuing his extradition.

In a recent court ruling, a Malawian court approved the extradition request, yet Bushiri and his wife, Mary, have lodged an appeal against the charges they face, including fraud. Bushiri has long been a controversial figure in southern Africa, known for establishing churches across the continent and promoting dubious claims of miraculous interventions. He is accused of exploiting the dreams of impoverished individuals while promoting his products, such as "miracle oil.”

The response from South African Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, was swift and stern. She characterized Shivambu's visit as a “blatant act of disrespect” towards the legal system of South Africa and warned that it risks encouraging individuals to evade accountability for their actions.

Following the incident, Shivambu's own party sought to distance itself from his actions, stating that his visit was undertaken in a personal capacity and not with the party's agreement. The MK party emphasized its opposition to all forms of gender-based violence and the manipulation of faith for personal gain, particularly at the expense of vulnerable communities.

Despite the backlash, Shivambu expressed his admiration for Bushiri's influence, stating on social media that he was grateful for the hospitality he received and praised the pastor for his contributions to social and economic development in Malawi. He highlighted the importance of the work Bushiri purportedly does on the ground to uplift his community, further complicating an already contentious situation.

Since the formation of the MK party, under Jacob Zuma's leadership, Shivambu has been a prominent figure, joining only last year from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). The fallout from this incident raises questions about accountability and the relationship between political figures and controversial personalities in Africa's ever-evolving political landscape.