Faith
Shepherd Bushiri
Mzuzu
Founder of the ECG Jesus Nation Church, one of Africa's best-known preachers, known to followers as Major 1.
Quick answer: Shepherd Bushiri, born in Mzuzu in February 1983, is a Malawian preacher and the founder of the Enlightened Christian Gathering, now the Jesus Nation Church. His followers call him Major 1 or Prophet Bushiri. He built a large following in South Africa before moving his base home to Lilongwe, and his Facebook page has about 7 million followers.
From Mzuzu to the pulpit
Bushiri grew up in Mzuzu and went to Moyale Secondary School there. He started the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) in Mzuzu in 2010, and within a year he had moved its headquarters to Lilongwe.
In 2015 he moved his main base to Pretoria, South Africa. For several years his crossover services at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium were among the biggest church events on the continent.
Family and books
He is married to Mary Bushiri, who preaches alongside him as a co-pastor. The couple lost their elder daughter, Israella, in March 2021. Their younger daughter is Raphaella.
He has written more than 15 books on faith and prophecy. The best known is The Jesus Nation, the name his church now uses.
Back home in Malawi
In January 2021 he moved the church’s headquarters back to Lilongwe. Since then much of his public work has been at home: his Shepherd Bushiri Foundation has sent relief after Cyclone Freddy, given equipment to Kamuzu Central Hospital and paid for scholarships.
He has also backed entertainment and sport. He supported Malawi Has Talent and the Film Association of Malawi, his Goshen City company sponsors the Super League club now called Goshen City Dedza Dynamos, and in 2026 his foundation ran a nationwide football talent search with the Football Association of Malawi.
His biggest plan is Goshen City, a smart city planned on the shores of Lake Malawi in Mangochi, with housing, a hotel and a convention centre. Its launch has been held up by Malawi’s shortage of foreign exchange.
The South African court case
In 2019 South African police charged Bushiri and his wife with fraud, money laundering and theft, and other charges followed. He denies them all and says the cases were made up. In late 2020, while on bail, the couple left South Africa for Malawi.
South Africa asked Malawi to send them back. A Lilongwe magistrate agreed in March 2025, but the High Court overturned that order later in 2025. In October 2026 Bushiri announced that the High Court had ruled against extradition once more, so he remains in Malawi.
Shepherd Bushiri
- Born
- 20 February 1983, Mzuzu
- Known as
- Major 1, Prophet Bushiri
- Church
- Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG), now Jesus Nation Church (founded 2010)
- Based in
- Lilongwe
- Spouse
- Mary Bushiri
- Charity
- Shepherd Bushiri Foundation
- Book
- The Jesus Nation
FAQ
Where is Shepherd Bushiri from?
Mzuzu, in northern Malawi. He was born there in February 1983.
What is the name of Bushiri’s church?
The Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG), which now calls itself the Jesus Nation Church. He founded it in Mzuzu in 2010.
Why is Bushiri called Major 1?
It is the title his followers use for him, alongside Prophet Bushiri.
Is Bushiri still in Malawi?
Yes. South Africa wants him to stand trial there, but Malawi’s courts have refused to extradite him. He denies the charges.
Who is Shepherd Bushiri’s wife?
Mary Bushiri, who also preaches as a co-pastor in the church.
