A political storm has brewed in South Africa following a visit by Floyd Shivambu, the secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, to the self-proclaimed pastor Shepherd Bushiri, who is currently a fugitive in Malawi. Bushiri faces serious allegations, including rape and fraud, and has been evading justice since his controversial escape to Malawi in 2020 while out on bail.
The visit has sparked outrage, particularly after Shivambu shared a video on social media platform X, showcasing his attendance at an Easter service at Bushiri's church. Bushiri, known for his extravagant claims of miracles and spiritual healing, is accused of exploiting vulnerable communities and has faced multiple charges, prompting South Africa to pursue an extradition to hold him accountable.
South Africa's Minister of Justice, Mmamoloko Kubayi, condemned Shivambu's actions as a direct affront to the nation’s legal framework, warning that such endorsements might embolden others to flee accountability. The MK party swiftly distanced itself from Shivambu’s visit, clarifying that he acted without the party’s consent and reaffirming their stance against gender-based violence and exploitation by individuals misusing faith for profit.
Despite the backlash, Shivambu publicly praised Bushiri for his supposed contributions to uplifting communities, prompting fierce debate about the intersection of politics and the justice system. As the MK party navigates the fallout from this incident, it highlights the ongoing challenges within South Africa’s political landscape, particularly regarding accountability and ethical governance.
