Floyd Shivambu, secretary-general of South Africa's MK party, has been criticized for visiting fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri, accused of rape and fraud. Although Shivambu praised Bushiri's charitable work, the MK party distanced itself from his actions, emphasizing its commitment to justice and respect for the legal system.
Controversy Erupts Over South African Politician's Support for Fugitive Pastor
Controversy Erupts Over South African Politician's Support for Fugitive Pastor
Floyd Shivambu faces backlash after attending a church service led by Shepherd Bushiri, accused of serious crimes and evading South African justice.
A top official within South Africa's political landscape, Floyd Shivambu, secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, has sparked significant controversy after visiting self-proclaimed pastor Shepherd Bushiri, who is currently a fugitive in Malawi. Bushiri, once a high-profile preacher, faces serious accusations of rape and fraud and fled South Africa while on bail in 2020. His extradition remains contested amid ongoing legal proceedings in Malawi.
Shivambu recently shared footage on social media of his attendance at an Easter service at Bushiri’s church, praising the pastor for his philanthropic work. However, this visit has drawn sharp criticism, including from South Africa's Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi. She labeled Shivambu's actions as a “blatant act of disrespect” towards South Africa’s judiciary and warned that such associations might embolden others to evade accountability.
In response to the backlash, Shivambu's MK party swiftly issued a statement distancing itself from the visit, stressing that it was an act made in his personal capacity and without official endorsement. The party reiterated its condemnation of gender-based violence and the exploitation of vulnerable communities, particularly those misled by faith-based figures for personal gain.
Despite the growing censure, Shivambu stood by his remarks, acknowledging Bushiri's charitable contributions and expressing gratitude for the pastor’s hospitality. The MK party, which was established under former President Jacob Zuma, notably ranked third in the previous year's elections, marking a pivotal shift in South Africa’s political dynamics.
Shivambu's previous affiliation with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and subsequent appointment to the MK leadership has intensified scrutiny of his political choices, particularly in a landscape that is already fraught with controversy and high-profile defections. As the legal debate surrounding Bushiri continues, the ramifications of Shivambu's visit may further complicate the political landscape in South Africa.
