Shivambu stands firm, refuses to apologize for Bushiri church visit
Floyd Shivambu, secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, has defiantly refused to apologize for attending an Easter service at Shepherd Bushiri’s church in Malawi in April.
The visit, which drew sharp criticism due to Bushiri’s status as a fugitive wanted in South Africa for fraud and rape charges, sparked a firestorm of controversy.
Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi condemned Shivambu’s association with the self-proclaimed prophet, calling it a disrespect to South Africa’s legal system.
The MK Party quickly distanced itself, labeling the visit a personal endeavor not endorsed by the party.
Despite the backlash, Shivambu, in a May 30 interview with Newzroom Afrika, dismissed calls for an apology and rejected rumors of internal MK party strife.
“I have no reason to apologize,” Shivambu stated, doubling down on his stance.
The incident has fueled debates about political accountability and the optics of aligning with controversial figures, leaving questions about its impact on the MK Party’s image as South Africa’s political landscape continues to evolve.