A senior official with a major South African political party has been dismissed following an April visit to a controversial Malawian pastor.
Floyd Shivambu, secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, was removed from his post—less than six months after his appointment—due to attendance at an Easter service led by self-proclaimed pastor Shepherd Bushiri.
Bushiri, a prominent preacher in Southern Africa before his 2020 arrest and fraud charges in South Africa, fled to Malawi after being released on bail. South Africa seeks his extradition.
Bushiri, who denies wrongdoing, and his wife, Mary, are challenging the extradition ruling, according to Eyewitness News.
The MK party, founded by former President Jacob Zuma, announced Shivambu’s removal at a Wednesday press conference, citing a violation of the party constitution. National chair Nathi Nhleko stated the trip lacked official sanction, leaving party leadership with no choice but to act decisively.
While dismissed as secretary-general, Shivambu remains a party member and will represent MK in the National Assembly. He has publicly accepted the decision and expressed anticipation for his new parliamentary role.
Shivambu, who joined MK from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) last August, held one of the party’s most senior positions. MK’s third-place finish in last year’s elections—a significant factor in the governing ANC losing its majority—added context to the situation.
Shivambu faced criticism for reposting Bushiri’s X video showing the pastor welcoming him to his Jesus Nation church, praising Bushiri’s “good work” and hospitality.
Bushiri, a millionaire with churches across Africa, faces accusations of exploiting vulnerable individuals through the sale of “miracle” merchandise and claims of miraculous healings, including HIV cures and restoring sight to the blind. He and his wife also face rape charges, which they deny.
University of the Free State analyst Sanet Solomon deemed Shivambu’s removal predictable given the negative publicity. However, she highlighted concerns about leadership stability within MK, noting this is its sixth secretary-general in less than two years.
Solomon cited Shivambu’s leadership style and tensions with other leaders, including a public dispute with Zuma’s daughter, Duduzile, who called him “useless,” as contributing factors to his downfall. Solomon suggested a future departure from the party is possible.
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