MK Party Disassociates from Floyd Shivambu’s Visit: The uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MK Party) has formally distanced itself from Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu’s recent trip to the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) Church in Malawi, which is overseen by the controversial preacher Shepherd Bushiri.
In a statement issued on Saturday, April 19, 2025, MK Party National Spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela emphasised that Shivambu’s Easter visit was a personal choice and not representative of the party’s views.
This clarification follows Shivambu’s public commendation of Bushiri, which raised concerns due to Bushiri’s status as a fugitive from South African authorities.
Party Responds to Shivambu’s Actions
The MK Party acted swiftly to clarify its stance after Shivambu attended Easter services at Bushiri’s church on Friday, April 18, 2025. Nhlamulo Ndhlela remarked, “The Secretary General undertook this visit in his capacity and without the mandate or awareness of the Party.” The leadership underscored that the visit was neither authorised nor endorsed by any official party entity.
The party reiterated its commitment to justice and ethical governance, citing former President Jacob Zuma’s imprisonment as a case that exemplifies the importance of upholding the rule of law.
Ndhlela stated, “In a unique instance, President Zuma was imprisoned without trial under Roman-Dutch Law; he did not evade justice but accepted his sentence, despite it being a miscarriage of justice and an infringement of his human rights.” He further asserted, “We are firmly against any association with individuals who are fugitives from justice.”
The statement also condemned exploitation and gender-based violence, particularly in religious contexts. Ndhlela affirmed, “Our Party supports the victims of such exploitation and will never align itself with those who manipulate religion for deceit, abuse, or misguidance.” This illustrates the MK Party’s dedication to integrity and accountability as fundamental principles.
Floyd Shivambu Praises Shepherd Bushiri
Shivambu’s trip to Malawi garnered attention when he publicly praised Bushiri for his contributions to the community. Posting on X, he expressed gratitude, saying, “Thank you, my brother, Prophet Bushiri, for hosting us and for the kind words. The scale of work you do to uplift our people economically, educationally, socially, and spiritually is unmatched—both now and in history.”
He acknowledged the appreciation of Malawi’s leaders and citizens, stating, “The leadership and people of Malawi value and cherish the numerous impactful programs you implement. Keep up the good work.”
Quoting scripture, Shivambu added, “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender. God bless!” His warm remarks contrasted significantly with the MK Party’s position, leading to a public divide.
Bushiri reciprocated the praise during the service, referring to Shivambu as “one of the great and wonderful men I know who loves Africa and supports African affairs.” He praised Shivambu’s commitment, stating, “Men like Floyd believe in supporting fellow Africans and uplifting those who excel. I’m delighted to have someone like him in South Africa and on the continent.”
On Facebook, Bushiri elaborated: “I was thrilled to meet Mr. Floyd Shivambu! His belief in black individuals supporting one another resonated with me.” He addressed critics by saying, “Sadly, some still perpetuate jealousy and negativity—labeling successful black individuals as ‘corrupt’ and in need of investigation, while praising white individuals as ‘investors.’ That’s not Pan-Africanism; that’s envy.” In a light-hearted manner, he added, “He even visited our church for a prayer session. I guess you could say he wanted to ‘pray away’ any political stress—or ensure his prayers were ‘politically correct.’”
Bushiri’s Controversial Background
Shepherd Bushiri remains a polarising figure. In 2020, he and his wife fled South Africa while out on bail, facing charges of fraud and money laundering related to his church activities. After escaping to Malawi, he has successfully avoided extradition despite ongoing legal challenges.
A Malawian court is reviewing his appeal against a ruling that allowed his return to South Africa to face trial. Bushiri continues to lead the ECG Church and finance community initiatives, maintaining a substantial following despite being a fugitive.
Shivambu’s connection to Bushiri has attracted scrutiny, especially considering the MK Party’s strong opposition to criminality. Reactions on social media have been varied, with some applauding Shivambu’s Pan-African support while others question his judgment in associating with a wanted individual.
Tensions Within the MK Party
The timing of this controversy intensifies the pressure on the MK Party, which is already grappling with internal issues. Traditional leaders have expressed dissatisfaction over unfulfilled promises and the integration of former EFF members, such as Shivambu, into senior positions. His rising influence has fueled allegations of factionalism, with some insiders suggesting that his actions, such as the visit to Bushiri—could exacerbate divisions.
Shivambu has dismissed such criticism, referring to detractors as “anonymous elements” and asserting that the party remains united. However, the leadership’s prompt disavowal of his visit indicates an effort to maintain control and safeguard the party’s reputation amid these tensions.
Broader Implications
The incident has also caught the attention of South African officials. Justice Minister Mamoloko Kubayi labelled Shivambu’s visit “a blatant act of disrespect,” given the unresolved extradition case. This has reignited discussions regarding accountability and the role of political figures in sensitive legal issues.
