Bushiri Claims Massive Growth for Jesus Nation Church After South Africa Exit
Lilongwe, Malawi – Shepherd Bushiri, the self-proclaimed prophet and founder of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church, now rebranded as the Jesus Nation Church, has asserted that his congregation in South Africa has experienced exponential growth since his departure from the country in 2020. In an exclusive interview with eNCA in Lilongwe, Malawi, Bushiri, known as Major One to his followers, claimed that his church's membership in South Africa has "multiplied five times more" since he fled the country while on bail.
Bushiri and his wife, Mary, absconded from South Africa in November 2020, shortly after being granted bail on fraud and money laundering charges amounting to R102 million. Their escape ignited diplomatic tensions between South Africa and Malawi, as Pretoria sought their extradition. However, this extradition process has been halted following a recent ruling in Malawi.
Earlier this month, the High Court of Malawi ruled against extraditing the couple, citing concerns over the evidence presented, including hearsay, improperly authenticated documents, and perceived threats to their lives.
Justice Mzonde Mvula presided over the case and concluded that the extradition process "fell short" of the standards required under Malawian law. He further stated that the Bushiris' constitutional right to be heard had been violated. The court overturned a March ruling by the Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court in Lilongwe, which had initially ordered the couple’s committal for surrender to South Africa.
Justice Mvula elaborated that the lower court "did not exercise judicial discretion correctly by making a finding for extradition, when the evidence on the extradition hearing fell short to make this finding." He also stated that the proceedings contravened the legal principle of audi alteram partem – the right to be heard – because the magistrate "delivered a ruling after hearing only the case of the Respondent" and failed to provide the couple with an opportunity to present their defence.
During the eNCA interview, Bushiri addressed the controversial visit by Floyd Shivambu, then secretary-general of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, earlier this year. The visit led to Shivambu being disciplined by the Jacob Zuma-led MK party for what they termed an "unsanctioned trip."
Bushiri offered his perspective on the matter, stating: "I am a man of the people, I love people, and they love me. These people do not look at me from a religious background; they look at me as a fellow African, they look at me as a human being. I might be a self-proclaimed (prophet) to other people, but to other people I am a brother, a cousin, an uncle."
He further explained the context of Shivambu's visit: "For example, when Shivambu came to Malawi here, he did not come here specifically for me. He had other business which he was doing here. I think he was visiting the former president Joyce Banda and he had meetings with other politicians. Then he said let me go and attend a service on a Sunday. That was it, and we prayed with him. His mother is one of my leaders in the church in South Africa."
Bushiri claims that his congregation in South Africa now boasts over two million registered members, a figure that has purportedly grown exponentially since his departure. The self-proclaimed prophet remains in Malawi, where he continues to lead the Jesus Nation Church and engage with various public figures and politicians. The legal proceedings surrounding his extradition remain a complex and closely watched issue between South Africa and Malawi.
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