Floyd Shivambu, Secretary-General of the MK Party and former deputy leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), is under fire after a high-profile visit to Prophet Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi. The visit, which was widely publicized on social media, has stirred controversy in South African political circles and sparked fierce public debate.
Why the Uproar?
Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, a self-proclaimed prophet and founder of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) Church, fled South Africa in 2020 while facing serious charges of fraud and money laundering. His dramatic escape while out on bail raised questions about cross-border justice and the effectiveness of South Africa's legal system.
By publicly praising Bushiri, Shivambu appears at least to critics to be aligning himself with a fugitive from justice.
> "It’s not just about a meeting. It’s what that meeting symbolizes,” said political analyst Themba Maseko. “Bushiri fled our courts, and for a senior political figure to embrace him like this sends the wrong message.”
Shivambu’s Words Stir the Pot
In a video circulating online, Shivambu described Bushiri as "a visionary Pan-Africanist who is committed to building African unity and economic empowerment through faith." He went on to commend the church's community outreach and educational initiatives in Malawi.
These remarks did not sit well with many back home.
> “You can’t preach accountability and then glorify someone who skipped bail,” wrote activist Thuli Mlangeni on X (formerly Twitter). “Shivambu should know better.”
Political Ramifications
The meeting is also said to have caused ripples within the MK Party itself, with some insiders reportedly frustrated by the unvetted visit.
> "This is not what we stand for," said an anonymous party member. "We’re trying to be a party of integrity. That meeting undermines our message."
Meanwhile, some EFF supporters expressed disappointment, calling Shivambu's actions hypocritical given the party's historical stance on corruption and justice.
A Divided Response
Not all reactions have been negative. A number of Bushiri’s followers and Pan-Africanists have praised the meeting as a powerful statement of religious and continental solidarity.
> “Floyd sees what many refuse to see: Bushiri is being persecuted because of his influence,” said ECG supporter Mary Banda from Lilongwe.
Still, the controversy highlights a broader debate in South Africa about the blurred lines between politics, religion, and accountability. Whether this meeting was a symbolic gesture or a political misstep, one thing is clear: it’s a move that has left many questioning Shivambu’s judgment.
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