Self-proclaimed prophet Shepherd Bushiri, says his following in South Africa has risen to more than two million registered members.
He maintains that the church expanded sharply after he fled the country while out on bail.
In an exclusive interview with eNCA in Lilongwe, Malawi, Bushiri known to his followers as Major One said the church had “multiplied five times more” since his 2020 departure.
Escape Triggered Diplomatic Fallout
Bushiri and his wife Mary left South Africa in November 2020, days after receiving bail on fraud and money-laundering charges involving R102 million.
Their escape strained relations between Pretoria and Lilongwe, as South Africa pushed for their extradition, a process now halted after a recent court ruling in Malawi.
Earlier this month, the High Court of Malawi dismissed South Africa’s extradition request, citing hearsay evidence, poorly authenticated documents and concerns for the couple’s safety.
Bushiri: ‘Our Church Grew Bigger’
Bushiri insisted that his congregation had surged since he left South Africa.
“You are aware of that. Our church actually grew five times more than when I was in South Africa. Our church grew bigger,” he said.
He claimed that more than two million people are now registered members across South Africa, with branches in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town.
The Enlightened Christian Gathering remains one of southern Africa’s biggest charismatic movements.
The church once filled stadiums in Gauteng and continues to draw large crowds across the region.
Many congregants still travel between South Africa and Malawi to attend Bushiri’s services in person.
Despite his ongoing legal issues and self-imposed exile, large numbers of followers continue to regard Bushiri as a prophet and miracle worker, with satellite branches reportedly active in several countries.
