JOHANNESBURG– South Africa’s Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi is facing criticism from the Forum for South Africa (FOSA) over what it calls the misuse of her official position to unfairly target MK Party Secretary-General Floyd Shivambu. The backlash follows Minister Kubayi’s remarks condemning Shivambu’s recent visit to the Enlightened Christian Gathering Church in Malawi over easter, led by fugitive pastor Shepherd Bushiri.

The visit drew public attention after videos of Shivambu being acknowledged during the church’s Easter service went viral. Kubayi labelled the appearance a “blatant disregard” for South Africa’s legal system, referencing Bushiri’s status as a fugitive wanted for extradition to face charges in South Africa.

FOSA, however, has pushed back, accusing the minister of overstepping her role. The organisation argued that Kubayi should refrain from using her public office to comment on what it sees as personal decisions. Instead, they urged her to prioritise Bushiri’s return to South Africa through official legal channels.

Tebogo Mashilompane, the group’s leader, stated: “Minister Kubayi must stop interfering in people’s personal lives by using the state umbrella. If she wants to attack Floyd, she may do so in her personal capacity, not by dragging the entire ministry into matters unrelated to her portfolio.”

Bushiri fled South Africa in 2020 while out on bail, and extradition efforts have since faced legal and diplomatic challenges.

Neither the Justice Ministry nor Shivambu has issued further comment at the time of publication.