Self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri says his following in South Africa has risen to more than two million registered members, claiming his ministry expanded significantly after he fled the country while out on bail.
Speaking to eNCA in Lilongwe, Malawi, Bushiri, who is known to his followers as Major One, said his church had multiplied several times over since his departure in 2020.
Diplomatic Tensions After His Escape
Bushiri and his wife Mary left South Africa in November 2020 shortly after being granted bail on charges of fraud and money laundering involving R102 million. Their departure without permission created diplomatic strain between Pretoria and Lilongwe as South Africa sought their extradition.
That effort was halted earlier this month when the High Court of Malawi dismissed South Africa’s request. The court criticised the application for relying on hearsay, for having inadequately authenticated documents and for not addressing concerns about the couple’s safety if they were returned.
Bushiri Claims Surging Membership
Bushiri maintains that his congregation has grown sharply since he left. He says more than two million people are now officially registered as members across South Africa. The Enlightened Christian Gathering continues to operate branches in major cities including Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town.
A Church That Continues To Draw Crowds
Despite ongoing legal troubles and his absence from South Africa, Bushiri’s movement remains one of the largest charismatic churches in southern Africa. The church previously filled stadiums in Gauteng and continues to attract large gatherings across the region. Many followers still travel between South Africa and Malawi to attend his services, while additional branches are said to be active in several other countries.
Bushiri continues to be regarded by his supporters as a prophet and spiritual figure even as legal processes around his case remain unresolved.
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