uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party Secretary General Floyd Shivambu has sparked controversy after publicly thanking Malawian self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri for hosting him during a visit to Malawi.
Bushiri, a fugitive wanted in South Africa for fraud, money laundering, and breaching bail conditions, fled the country in 2020 after his arrest alongside his wife, Mary. The couple, who faced multiple charges related to their alleged R102 million forex scam, skipped bail and returned to Malawi, where they have since resisted extradition.
Thrilled to have met Mr Floyd Shivambu! His philosophy of black people supporting each other resonated deeply. Kudos for championing pragmatic ideologies that can propel Africa forward.
Sadly, some still peddle jealousy and negativity, labeling successful black individuals as… pic.twitter.com/5naXEr5mvS
— Shepherd Bushiri (@psbushiri_) April 19, 2025
Mixed Reactions to Shivambu’s Visit
Shivambu’s meeting with Bushiri has drawn sharp criticism, with many questioning why a prominent South African political figure would associate with a man accused of exploiting vulnerable citizens and evading justice.
This comes just weeks after former EFF MP Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi visited Malawi, where he delivered a lecture on ethical leadership at a Lilongwe university. Without naming Bushiri, Ndlozi criticized “fugitives hiding in Malawi after stealing from South Africa’s poor.”
Bushiri hit back on social media, claiming Ndlozi had “no right to question his wealth.” Meanwhile, a Malawian court is set to hear Bushiri’s appeal against an earlier ruling that approved his extradition to South Africa.
Why This Matters
- Legal Implications: Bushiri remains a wanted man in South Africa, and his ties to political figures raise concerns about accountability and justice evasion.
- Political Fallout: Shivambu’s association with Bushiri could damage the MK party’s credibility, especially among voters critical of corruption.
- Extradition Battle: If Malawi’s courts uphold the extradition order, Bushiri could finally face trial in South Africa.
What’s Next?
As public scrutiny grows, Shivambu has yet to clarify the nature of his discussions with Bushiri. Meanwhile, South African authorities continue pushing for Bushiri’s return to face trial.
Will political figures continue engaging with Bushiri, or will pressure mount for Malawi to extradite him? The saga continues.
