By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Floyd Shivambu, a top official of a leading political party in South Africa, uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), has been sacked following his visit to a controversial Malawian pastor in April.
He was on Wednesday removed as secretary-general of uMkhonto weSizwe (MK), founded by former President Jacob Zuma, after he visited Pastor Shepherd Bushiri’s church at Easter.
Bushiri, a Malawian national, was once one of Southern Africa’s best-known preachers before being arrested and charged with fraud in 2020. After his release on bail, he fled to his home country under unclear circumstances, and South Africa has since been making efforts to have him extradited for prosecution.
But in April, Shivambu, who is barely six months into his job, paid him a visit and returned home, where he retweeted footage of himself on X attending an Easter service at Shepherd Bushiri’s church.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, the MK party said Shivambu’s removal came after his actions “were found to be against the spirit and prescripts of the MK party’s constitution”.
“The president and national officials were left with no other option but to act swiftly,” said MK national chair Nathi Nhleko.
He added that the trip “was not an officially sanctioned programme of the organisation”.
Shivambu is, however, allowed to remain a member of the party and will instead represent MK in the National Assembly.
Reacting to news of his demotion, Shivambu said he “fully accepts” the decision taken by the party and looked forward to taking up his new role in Parliament.
Shivambu joined the MK party in August last year from the rival Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and was later appointed secretary-general – one of the party’s top positions.
Bushiri is a millionaire who set up churches in several African countries, and he is accused of preying on poor people who were desperate for an improved living by selling merchandise including “miracle oil”.
A self-proclaimed prophet, he also claims to have cured people of HIV, made the blind see, changed the fortunes of the impoverished, and, on at least one occasion, walked on air.
Bushiri has also been charged with rape, but he and his wife have denied any wrongdoing.
