LILONGWE, MALAWI — What began as an Easter prayer has erupted into a political inferno. Floyd Shivambu, Secretary General of South Africa’s Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, is under intense fire after attending a church service hosted by controversial preacher Prophet Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi.
In a statement brimming with disapproval, the MK party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, said Shivambu’s visit was “unsanctioned” and “disrespectful”, accusing him of fraternizing with a man South African authorities still label a fugitive from justice.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Justice Ministry of South Africa called Shivambu’s Easter appearance a “blatant act of defiance” against the nation’s legal system, citing the government’s ongoing efforts to extradite Prophet Bushiri to face fraud-related charges.
The backlash exploded after a viral video showed Bushiri warmly acknowledging Shivambu during the packed Easter service at ECG – Jesus Nation Church, attended by thousands, including public figures like South African music legend Rebecca Malope, and pilgrims from as far as Germany, the UK, and Spain.
The optics were enough to trigger a political storm in Johannesburg — but not everyone agrees it was justified.
eNCA questioned the party’s outrage in a tweet dripping with sarcasm:
“Was the statement necessary? He wasn’t even in party regalia! For goodness’ sake, can’t a man go to church anymore without being crucified for his belief?”
From Malawi, social and political analyst John Masina came out swinging, defending Shivambu’s freedom of worship.
“Why is it suddenly a crime to pray? The right to worship is enshrined in every progressive constitution. Let courts do their job — but let the soul breathe,” Masina said.
In Malawi, Prophet Bushiri, unfazed by the controversy, hailed Shivambu as a “Pan-African torchbearer of black excellence.” During the service, he lashed out at critics, accusing them of “labeling successful black people as corrupt while calling white tycoons investors.”
Shivambu, for his part, appeared unbothered. In a gracious Instagram post, he thanked the Prophet:
“Thank you my brother, Prophet Bushiri (@shepherdbushiri) for hosting us and for the kind words. The government scale amount of work you do to economically, educationally, socially and spiritually uplift our people is unparalleled now and in history. I know that the leadership and people of Malawi appreciate and cherish the so many massive programmes you do for the people on the ground. Continue doing the good work. The Book says, “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender”. God Bless! 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿”
The clash between religion and politics, between faith and party lines, has once again stirred a continent where personal belief often collides with public office.
But as thousands still sing praises in ECG pews, and political tongues wag in Pretoria, one question lingers in the air like incense: Is it really a crime to kneel at the altar — even if the altar belongs to Prophet Shepherd Bushiri?
