Floyd Shivambu’s refusal to back down on his visit to fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri led to his sacking as MK party secretary-general. But he had faced criticism since his arrival from the EFF.
Floyd Shivambu’s Easter Weekend visit to fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri’s church in Malawi marked the beginning of the end of his tenure as uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party secretary-general, but his refusal to back down on the matter sealed his fate.
Shivambu’s visit drew backlash, including from Justice Minister Mmamaloko Kubayi, who said it was “a blatant act of disrespect toward South Africa’s legal system” that would “embolden those who believe they can escape accountability”.
Read more: Shivambu under fire after visit to fugitive ‘prophet’ Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi
The MK party said he undertook the visit in his personal capacity, without the mandate or knowledge of the party. Shivambu could have apologised. Instead, he doubled down.
