The Fair Works of False Prophets

–– Brino Kumwenda

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Shepherd Bushiri, also known as “Major 1,” is a prominent self-proclaimed prophet from Malawi. He is the founder of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG), a non-denominational charismatic church headquartered in Lilongwe, Malawi. The church has grown into a megachurch with branches across Africa and beyond, attracting hundreds of thousands of members. 

Some false prophets today have enough guile and craft to manoeuvre their way in ministry without scandal. Bushiri has found himself lacking in this area and has left a trail of damning controversy in his wake. However, he makes use of an age-old tactic to cover up his flagrant sin, and this brings hordes of his followers to defend his image. 

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Followers of the Fallen

–– Andrew Zekveld

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A proverb that has been attributed to the people of Tanzania observes how “the humble pay for the mistakes of their leaders.” This simple observation of life is indeed the downfall of much in our beloved Africa. When leaders fall, it is always the humble followers who get crushed.

Yet, it seems that very little can convince the humble followers of fallen leaders to stop following their discredited heroes.

Ousted from the South African presidency in 2018 because of corruption, Jacob Zuma regained great political fame this past December in his announcement of forming a new political party—this all amidst his corruption trial

So also spiritual leader Shepherd Bushiri from Malawi, while awaiting extradition orders in Malawi for financial crimes committed in South Africa, enjoyed a renewed following in his recent 2023/2024 Crossover event.

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