The visit of Floyd Shivambu, secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe party, to fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri has ignited outrage from government officials and his own party due to Bushiri's criminal charges, including fraud and rape.
Controversy Erupts Over South African Politician's Visit to Fugitive Pastor
Controversy Erupts Over South African Politician's Visit to Fugitive Pastor
Floyd Shivambu’s attendance at Shepherd Bushiri's church sparks criticism and calls for accountability in South Africa.
The visit by Floyd Shivambu, a high-ranking official in South Africa's uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, to self-proclaimed pastor Shepherd Bushiri, who is currently a fugitive in Malawi, has drawn significant backlash from political figures and the public alike. Mr. Bushiri, once a prominent preacher in southern Africa, has been accused of severe crimes, including rape and fraud, which led to his arrest in 2020. Following his release on bail, he fled to Malawi, where he continues to evade South African authorities, despite an extradition request supported by Malawi's courts.
Shivambu attended an Easter service at Bushiri’s church and later shared footage of the event on social media, expressing his admiration for the pastor's work in uplifting communities. His actions have been met with condemnation from South Africa's Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, who labeled the visit as a significant affront to the country's legal system. She underscored that it risks legitimizing the belief among individuals that they can evade justice and accountability.
In response to the controversy, Shivambu's party issued a statement to clarify that his visit did not reflect the party's official position, emphasizing their commitment to combating gender-based violence and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. They categorically condemned any actions that manipulate faith for dishonest gain.
Shivambu's support for Bushiri has polarized opinion within the political landscape, especially given his recent transition to the MK party from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Critics argue this connection undermines the stature and integrity of South African politics, particularly in the context of ongoing efforts to hold powerful individuals accountable for alleged crimes.
The ramifications of Shivambu’s visit may further complicate the already tumultuous state of opposition politics in South Africa, as the MK party seeks to carve out its identity separate from the legacy of former President Zuma under whom it was formed.
Shivambu attended an Easter service at Bushiri’s church and later shared footage of the event on social media, expressing his admiration for the pastor's work in uplifting communities. His actions have been met with condemnation from South Africa's Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, who labeled the visit as a significant affront to the country's legal system. She underscored that it risks legitimizing the belief among individuals that they can evade justice and accountability.
In response to the controversy, Shivambu's party issued a statement to clarify that his visit did not reflect the party's official position, emphasizing their commitment to combating gender-based violence and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals. They categorically condemned any actions that manipulate faith for dishonest gain.
Shivambu's support for Bushiri has polarized opinion within the political landscape, especially given his recent transition to the MK party from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Critics argue this connection undermines the stature and integrity of South African politics, particularly in the context of ongoing efforts to hold powerful individuals accountable for alleged crimes.
The ramifications of Shivambu’s visit may further complicate the already tumultuous state of opposition politics in South Africa, as the MK party seeks to carve out its identity separate from the legacy of former President Zuma under whom it was formed.
