South African Politician Faces Backlash for Visiting Fugitive Pastor

Floyd Shivambu, secretary‑general of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), has come under fire after attending an Easter service led by Shepherd Bushiri, a self‑proclaimed pastor who fled to Malawi amid fraud and rape allegations. Shivambu shared footage of the visit on X, igniting criticism from both government officials and his own party.

Bushiri, once one of southern Africa’s most prominent evangelists, was arrested in South Africa in 2020 on charges of fraud involving the sale of “miracle oil.” Released on bail, he inexplicably escaped to Malawi, where authorities are now fighting to extradite him. Last month, a Malawian court upheld the extradition request, but Bushiri and his wife, Mary are also facing fraud charges have appealed.

South Africa’s Minister of Justice, Mmamoloko Kubayi, condemned Shivambu’s appearance at Bushiri’s Jesus Nation church as “a blatant act of disrespect” toward the country’s legal system and warned it could embolden those seeking to evade accountability. Shivambu’s MK party echoed that stance, stating his attendance was “in his personal capacity” and “without mandate,” and reaffirmed its opposition to gender‑based violence and the exploitation of vulnerable communities.

In a post alongside the service footage, Shivambu praised Bushiri’s “unparalleled” work uplifting communities economically, socially, and spiritually, adding that Malawians “appreciate and cherish” his programmes. Bushiri’s history of grand claims including curing HIV, restoring sight to the blind, and even walking on air has drawn both followers and fierce skepticism.

Bushiri’s escape has strained diplomatic relations between South Africa and Malawi, with both governments seeking a resolution. Meanwhile, the pastor’s wife remains in Malawi fighting similar charges. Bushiri’s continued defiance of extradition orders leaves his legal fate uncertain.

The controversy surrounding Shivambu’s visit highlights the persistent tension between political figures and the rule of law in South Africa. Under former President Jacob Zuma himself no stranger to legal battles, the MK party emerged as a new force, winning significant support in last year’s elections and depriving the ruling ANC of its long‑held majority. Shivambu, who defected from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) last August, now faces calls to uphold the same accountability his party demands of others.