South African politician fired by MK via Shepherd Bushiri Visit

A senior official in one of the largest political parties in South Africa was fired after visiting a controversial Malawian pastor in April.

Floyd Shivambu was removed as Secretary General of the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party barely six months after the job after he attended an Easter service with self -proclaimed pastor Shepherd Bushiri’s church.

Mr Bushiri, from Malawi, was one of the most famous preachers of South Africa when he was arrested and accused of fraud in South Africa in 2020.

After he was released on bail, he managed to flee to his home country in unclear circumstances. South Africa has been trying to deliver it since then.

Mr Bushiri denies some misconduct.

The MK party, founded by former President Jacob Zuma, said in a press conference on Wednesday that the removal of Mr. Shivambu came after his actions “against the spirit and regulations of the Constitution of the MK party”.

“The president and national officials remained no other option than to act quickly,” said MK officer Nathi Nhleko.

He added that the journey “was not an officially sanctioned program of the organization”.

Mr. Shivambu, however, remains a member of the party and will instead represent MK in the National Assembly.

Responding to news about his relegation, Mr. Shivambu said that he “fully accepted” the decision of the party and looked forward to taking on his new role in parliament.

Mr. Shivambu joined the MK party in the rival Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in August last year and was later appointed as secretary -general -one of the top positions of the party.

Under the leadership of the former President Zuma, the newly formed MK party third in last year’s elections – became an important factor in the ruling ANC that first lost its majority since the Democratic elections were introduced in 1994.