Worldview: MK’s Shivambu sparks outrage with visit to fugitive preacher Bushiri

Key topics:Shivambu visits controversial preacher Bushiri, sparks public backlashMK Party distances itself from Shivambu’s solo actionsJustice Minister says visit undermines SA’s legal system.Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here.Support South Africa's bastion of independent journalism, offering balanced insights on investments, business, and the political economy, by joining BizNews Premium. Register here.If you prefer WhatsApp for updates, sign up for the BizNews channel here..By Kerry Lanaghan.Listen to this story instead:.Floyd Shivambu, secretary-general of South Africa’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, has sparked widespread condemnation after visiting controversial preacher Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi during Easter. Bushiri, once a prominent religious figure in southern Africa, fled to Malawi in 2020 while facing serious fraud and rape charges in South Africa. Despite being on bail, his escape has since led to a protracted extradition battle, with a recent court ruling in Malawi supporting his return to South Africa. Bushiri and his wife, Mary, who are also facing fraud charges, have appealed the decision.Shivambu’s attendance at Bushiri’s church and subsequent praise of the preacher on social media drew criticism across the political spectrum. In a post on X, Shivambu thanked Bushiri for hosting him and commended his alleged contributions to uplifting communities economically, socially, and spiritually. The post included a video showing Bushiri introducing Shivambu to a large congregation at his Jesus Nation church.South Africa’s Minister of Justice, Mmamoloko Kubayi, condemned Shivambu’s actions as undermining the country’s judicial process. It signalled disrespect and encouraged others to believe they could avoid legal consequences. The MK party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, swiftly distanced itself from Shivambu’s visit, emphasising that it was done in a personal capacity without the party’s endorsement. In a formal statement, the party reaffirmed its commitment to opposing gender-based violence and exploitation of vulnerable communities, especially those misled under the guise of religion.Bushiri, a self-proclaimed prophet and millionaire, has gained notoriety for making unverified claims, such as curing HIV and performing miracles. He has been accused of defrauding desperate followers by selling supposed miracle products and faces multiple legal challenges in South Africa, including charges of rape. Despite this, he remains influential, with active followers across several African countries.Shivambu’s controversial visit threatens to strain MK’s image further, particularly as the party gained traction in the last election, finishing third and contributing to the African National Congress (ANC) losing its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994. Shivambu, who defected from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to join MK in 2023, holds one of the party’s most senior roles. His endorsement of Bushiri has prompted a fierce backlash and raised questions about political accountability and the manipulation of faith for personal or political gain.(This article is a précis of a piece originally published in BBC and can be read in full here.)

Worldview: MK’s Shivambu sparks outrage with visit to fugitive preacher Bushiri

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