Bushiri comes to Botswana
Prophet Shepherd Bushiri of Enlightened Christian Gathering church in Pretoria, popularly known as Major 1, will be in Botswana for his mega crusade on May 27.
The youthful prophet was earlier blacklisted from entering Botswana under unclear reasons. Quoting from Immigration Act (Cap. 25:02), Minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, Edwin Batshu said in a statement, ‘Notice is hereby given that in accordance with regulation 5 of the Immigration (Visa) Regulations, the Minister hereby declares that Shepherd Huxley Bushiri of Malawian nationality is to obtain Visa to enter Botswana.’
This week, the prophet’s supporters and followers are reeling in joy as he has now been granted a visa. Sons and Daughters of Bushiri Movement Coordinator Moemedi Baikalafi confirmed this to the media. He said Bushiri will now be able to lead his crusade at the National Stadium end of this month.
Batshu had said the purpose of the visa was to monitor Bushiri’s movements while in the country. The minister this week told The Midweek Sun that he was not aware that Bushiri has already been granted a visa, but acknowledged that the man was not a Prohibited Immigrant. “Did he apply? I don’t know but please check with Immigration office,” he said. Director of Immigration Mabuse Pule, could not confirm as his phone rang unanswered The Malawian prophet has thousands of supporters and haters across the country. However, ever since the news of his visa application surfaced two weeks ago, social media has been buzzing about him. While some celebrated, others were left sad that their prophet may not be coming.
Critics say he is a fake prophet who is after people’s money while his ‘sons and daughters’ see him as a gift from God. As a norm, his followers always scream ‘Major 1, do something. Go deeper Papa’ whenever he prophesies. And he always reminds them through his telecast that ‘his mother carried him for nine months in her womb to prophesy.’
A press search in South Africa last year revealed that he has a fleet of luxury cars and private jets, university, mines, in addition to his mansions. He is a billionaire and basically a man who has made good in life. When Drum magazine asked him how he made his money, he said, “I’m not just a prophet. I’m also a human being who is a responsible person, married with kids. I am very business-minded.
“For example, the Bentley you saw earlier – I managed to buy it before I came to stay in South Africa. I bought houses in South Africa way before I opened the church less than two years ago in Pretoria.“In short, I am a businessman. My wife, Mary, is a chartered accountant. She used to work for a big institution as a director of finance. I made her resign because of the businesses we do,” he said.
Prophet Bushiri’s followers believe in him for giving accurate prophecies, flying in the air, prophesying miracle money, angelic visitation, prophesying and giving prophecies on successful tenders and praying for childless couples to conceive. He may also bring his ‘Lion of Judah’ anointing oil and water for sale. In addition, he might also bring several of his stickers, for example, the popular ‘In our family we don’t stress, we relax’.
Meanwhile, a few days after government of Botswana ordered him to apply for a visa, Bushiri went to Nigeria where he had a heavy escort, including members of the military force, around him.