MK Party distances itself from Shivambu's visit to Bushiri

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UMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has distanced itself from the recent visit by its secretary-general, Floyd Shivambu, to the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) Church led by self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi.

This comes as the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development condemned Shivambu for visiting the fugitive pastor who fled from South Africa to Malawi in 2020.�

MK PARTY SAYS IT DIDN’T SEND FLOYD SHIVAMBU TO VISIT SHEPHERD BUSHIRI IN MALAWI�

MK Party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela said the visit was not sanctioned, endorsed or initiated by the leadership or any official structure of the MK Party.�

Ndhlela said Shivambu undertook the visit in his personal capacity and without the mandate or knowledge of the Party.

“The uMkhonto weSizwe Party upholds the rule of law and maintains a zero-tolerance stance on criminality in all its forms. We remain firmly opposed to any association with individuals who are fugitives from justice. Our values are rooted in integrity, justice, and accountability, and we reject any actions that compromise the reputation and ethical standing of our movement.

“Furthermore, the MK Party strongly condemns all forms of gender-based violence and the exploitation of vulnerable communities, especially innocent Christian believers, by individuals who manipulate faith for personal enrichment or to evade justice. Our Party stands with the victims of such exploitation and will never align itself with those who use religion as a shield to defraud, abuse or mislead the public,” Ndhlela said.

JUSTICE MINISTER ALSO CONDEMNS VISIT

Meanwhile, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, strongly condemned the MK Party secretary-general’s conduct, describing his association with Bushiri as a blatant act of disrespect toward South Africa’s legal system.

Kubayi cautioned that such behaviour by a political leader not only undermines the credibility of the judiciary but also diminishes the gravity of the charges against Bushiri, sending a dangerous message to the public and to victims of crime.

“Mr Shivambu’s actions erode public trust in the justice system and embolden those who believe they can escape accountability,” Kubayi said.�

“No one, regardless of status or position, is above the law. Political leaders have a responsibility to uphold the rule of law, not fraternise with fugitives,” she added.�

The Minister also urged all public representatives to work in partnership with law enforcement authorities to safeguard the country from those who violate the law.