By Zukile Majova
- MK slammed its secretary general Floyd Shivambu for visiting wanted fugitive and controversial prophet Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi.
- Bushiri praised Shivambu’s Pan-African views while MK distanced itself from any links to the self-proclaimed prophet.
Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party secretary general Floyd Shivambu is facing backlash from within the party after a controversial visit to self-proclaimed prophet and fugitive Shepherd Bushiri.
Shivambu travelled to Malawi without the party’s approval to spend Easter weekend with Bushiri, who is wanted in South Africa for serious crimes including rape, fraud and money laundering.
Thousands of South Africans — including gospel singer Rebecca Malope — also flocked to Bushiri’s Enlightened Christian Gathering Church during the Easter period.
Shivambu later posted a message on social media praising Bushiri for his work in uplifting black communities.
“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. Continue doing the good work,” said Shivambu.
Bushiri responded by praising Shivambu’s belief that black people should support one another.
“Kudos for championing pragmatic ideologies that can propel Africa forward. Sadly, some still peddle jealousy and negativity, labelling 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,” said Bushiri.
The MK party issued a statement on Sunday night slamming Shivambu’s actions and distancing itself from the visit.
“We remain firmly opposed to any association with individuals who are fugitives from justice,” the party said.
It also warned against behaviour that damages the party’s image or ethics.
It remains unclear whether MK will take action against Shivambu — especially since party founder Jacob Zuma has also met Bushiri before.
Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Mamoloko Kubayi also condemned the visit.
Pictured above Floyd Shivambu pictured above with Prophet Shepherd Bushiri.
Image source: Shepherd Bushiri
