Confusion as Floyd Shivambu praises Bushiri days after Ndlozi criticizes him in Malawi
A swirl of confusion and speculation has gripped political observers and social media users after two prominent South African politicians and close allies appeared to send mixed messages about controversial Prophet Shepherd Bushiri during separate appearances in Malawi this month.
On April 12, Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, former EFF member and radio presenter, delivered a hard-hitting public lecture at the University of Malawi.
Under the theme “People Over Politics,” Ndlozi questioned the ethics of religious figures accumulating wealth while facing serious allegations, stating pointedly: “There is someone in this country who is wanted in South Africa.” Without naming names, the audience and wider public quickly inferred he was referring to Prophet Bushiri, who fled South Africa in 2020 while out on bail for fraud and money laundering.
Ndlozi’s message was clear, no one, whether a pastor or a politician, should enrich themselves at the expense of the poor.
But just six days later, on April 18, Floyd Shivambu, Secretary-General of the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) and longtime associate of Ndlozi attended an Easter service at Bushiri’s Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) Church in Lilongwe.
Seated in the VIP section and warmly greeted by Bushiri himself, Shivambu’s presence at the service raised eyebrows and prompted a flurry of questions.
During the service, Bushiri made no mention of the recent criticism, instead praising Shivambu for “honouring the spiritual leadership of the continent” and for “standing with the church in these challenging times.”
The optics were jarring. On one hand, Ndlozi was calling for accountability and cautioning against exploitation in the name of religion. On the other, Shivambu appeared to be offering tacit if not overt endorsement of the same figure under fire.
Neither Shivambu nor Ndlozi have publicly commented on each other’s actions. The silence has only deepened the sense of confusion.