By Sitha Maliwa
A heated war of words has erupted between Prophet Shepherd Bushiri and South African political firebrand Dr. Mbuyiseni Ndlozi after the latter delivered a bold critique during a public lecture in Malawi.
While addressing an audience at the “People over politics” lecture in Lilongwe on April 12, Ndlozi made a pointed yet unnamed reference to Bushiri that quickly sent shockwaves across social media and into the corridors of both religious and political power.
“There is someone in this country who is wanted in South Africa,” Ndlozi said to applause. “Whether you are a pastor or a politician, you don’t have the right to steal from the poor-not in the name of God, not in the name of our people.”
The remark, though indirect, was widely interpreted as a reference to Bushiri, who fled South Africa with his wife Mary in 2020 while facing charges of fraud and money laundering. Once hailed as a spiritual mogul by followers across the continent, Bushiri has long remained a polarising figure, with his return to Malawi sparking debates over justice, sovereignty, and accountability.
Bushiri, known to his followers as Major 1, wasted no time in firing back. In a blistering social media post, the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) leader dismissed Ndlozi’s comments as both “xenophobic” and “jealous,” accusing the former EFF spokesperson of using his name for political mileage.
“Seriously, why? How did I even come into your public political lecture?” Bushiri wrote. “Can’t these jealous, poorly rated politicians like him with xenophobic tendencies leave me alone at once?”
In a direct challenge to Ndlozi’s credibility, Bushiri questioned the motive behind the attack and defended his wealth and reputation, stating:
“Your question about my wealth is nonsensical. You can’t advise Malawians to ask me questions about my wealth; they’re not naive.”
Bushiri also took the opportunity to highlight his economic contributions in Malawi, claiming to have created over 5,000 jobs through his farms and the ambitious Goshen City development project.
What began as a passing comment has quickly evolved into a full-blown cross-border controversy, raising complex questions about the intersection of religion, politics, and justice.
Bushiri, once a darling of South Africa’s Pentecostal circles, has remained defiant since his return to Malawi, often portraying himself as a victim of persecution rather than a fugitive of justice.
But Ndlozi’s pointed commentary suggests growing regional unease with figures who, in his words, “exploit the poor under religious cover.” His remarks have resonated with a segment of the public increasingly skeptical of wealthy church leaders whose finances remain largely opaque.
In a dramatic twist, Bushiri even implied internal tensions within the EFF, dropping this rhetorical bombshell:
“Is this the reason you betrayed your brother, Julius Malema?”
The reference to Malema – EFF Commander-in-Chief and a former close ally of Ndlozi – has added fuel to speculation about long-standing cracks within South Africa’s most radical political movement.
As of this writing, Dr. Ndlozi has not responded to Bushiri’s barrage, leaving observers eager for the next chapter in what has become a philosophical, political, and spiritual showdown.
With public discourse now ablaze across Malawi, South Africa, and beyond, one thing is clear: this is not just a personal spat; it’s a clash of visions for Africa’s future, pitting populist politics against prophetic power. – @NewsSA Online
Bushiri is a wolf 🐺🐺🐺 in a sheep skin. His pastoral ministry was just to skim unsuspecting blind followers who were tricked by his fake staged miracles where he paid to pretend that healed from blind and disabled. Ndlozi is a failed politician who never made an impact in his political life.
He was always a clown 🤡🤡🤡 in red overalls.
and his absence within the political atmosphere is a good riddance pest 🪳🦟🪳🦟🪳🦟🪳
Interesting observations from you Sello