South African politician sacked over visit to fugitive pastor
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Floyd Shivambu ousted from MK leadership for controversial support of fugitive pastor Bushiri.
A senior figure in South Africa’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party has been dismissed from his position following a controversial visit to the church of fugitive Malawian pastor Shepherd Bushiri. Floyd Shivambu, who served as the party’s secretary-general for less than six months, was relieved of his duties after attending an Easter service in April at Bushiri’s Jesus Nation church in Malawi.
The incident stirred immediate backlash due to Bushiri’s checkered past. Once one of Southern Africa’s most influential religious figures, Bushiri was arrested in South Africa in 2020 on charges of fraud. Following his release on bail, he fled the country under mysterious circumstances and returned to Malawi. Since then, South African authorities have made repeated efforts to secure his extradition. Bushiri, however, maintains his innocence and continues to operate his ministry.
In a press conference on Wednesday, MK national chairperson Nathi Nhleko announced Shivambu’s removal. He stated that the decision was based on a violation of the party’s constitution, stressing that Shivambu’s visit was not authorized by MK leadership.
“The president and national officials were left with no other option but to act swiftly,” Nhleko said. He emphasized that Shivambu’s actions did not align with the values and guidelines of the party.
Despite the demotion, Shivambu remains within the ranks of the MK party and is set to take on a new role in the National Assembly. Responding to the announcement, Shivambu stated he “fully accepts” the party’s decision and expressed enthusiasm about contributing in parliament.
Shivambu’s political journey has been marked by bold moves. He previously served as a high-ranking member of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) before joining MK in August last year. His appointment as secretary-general was viewed as a strategic gain for MK, a party founded by former South African President Jacob Zuma.
The MK party made headlines in the last national elections by emerging as the third-largest party, significantly contributing to the African National Congress (ANC) losing its parliamentary majority for the first time since the end of apartheid in 1994.
The controversy surrounding Shivambu intensified after he reposted a video from Bushiri’s social media page. In the clip, Bushiri welcomed Shivambu to his church while hundreds of followers cheered. In his repost on platform X (formerly Twitter), Shivambu praised Bushiri’s “good work” and thanked him “for hosting us,” a gesture that drew widespread criticism given the criminal charges against the pastor.
Shepherd Bushiri, who calls himself a prophet, amassed wealth through his Pentecostal churches across Africa. He claims to have performed miracles ranging from curing HIV to enabling the blind to see. On one occasion, he even claimed to walk on air—an assertion widely ridiculed by critics.
Despite his popularity, Bushiri has long been a figure of controversy. He has faced accusations of exploiting vulnerable people by selling “miracle products” such as oils and anointed water. Many of his followers are said to be individuals in dire financial situations, hoping to buy their way into a better life through his merchandise.
In addition to fraud charges, Bushiri and his wife have also been accused of rape, charges which they both vehemently deny. These accusations further intensified scrutiny on Shivambu’s visit and his public support for the self-proclaimed prophet.
While MK insists that party discipline must prevail, critics see the episode as a reflection of the blurred lines between politics and religious influence in Southern Africa. The demotion sends a strong signal about the party’s commitment to ethical standards—but also raises questions about how deeply intertwined faith leaders and politicians remain in the region.
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