South African politician sacked by MK over Shepherd Bushiri visit

A senior official of one of the largest political parties in South Africa was dismissed after visiting a controversial pastor in Malawian in April.

Floyd Shivambu was removed as secretary general of the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party barely six months after attending Easter service at the Church of the self -proclaimed pastor Shepherd Bushiri.

Mr. Bushii, from Malawi, was one of the best known preachers in southern Africa when he was arrested and accused of fraud in South Africa in 2020.

After being released on bail, he managed to flee to his country of origin in clear circumstances. South Africa has been trying to extradite it since.

Mr. Bushi denies any reprehensible act.

The MK party, which was founded by former president Jacob Zuma, said on Wednesday at a press conference that Mr. Shivambu’s dismissal came after his actions “turned out against the spirit and the prescriptions of the MK party constitution”.

“The president and national officials had no other options than to act quickly,” said MK national president Nathi Nhleko.

He added that the trip “was not an officially sanctioned program of the organization”.

However, Mr. Shivambu remains a member of the party and will rather represent MK in the National Assembly.

Reacting to the news of his demotion, Mr. Shivambu said that he “fully accepted” the decision taken by the party and is eager to play his new role in Parliament.

Mr. Shivambu joined the MK party in August last year of rival fighters of economic freedom (EFF) and was then appointed secretary general – one of the main posts of the party.

Under the leadership of former President Zuma, the new MK party was third in last year’s elections – a major factor in the Government of the ANC in the power to lose its majority for the first time since the democratic elections were introduced in 1994.

Mr. Shivambu was widely criticized in April when he republished images shared on X by Mr. Bushii showing the self-proclaimed pastor asking hundreds of faithful to his Jesus Nation church to welcome the South African politician.

The politician, in his retweet, also congratulated Mr. Bushi for his “good job” and “to welcome us”.

Mr. Bushiri is a millionaire who has installed churches in several African countries.

He is accused of attacking the poor who desperately wanted to improve their lives by selling goods, including “Miracle Oil”.

The self -proclaimed Prophet claims to have healed HIV people, made the blind, changed the fortune of the impoverished and, at least one opportunity, walked in the air.

Mr. Bushi was also accused of rape. He and his wife denied any reprehensible act.