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African Solutions Are Needed For African Problems-Prophet Shepherd Bushiri on his Corporate Side

June 21, 2017

By Ajong Mbapndah L [caption id="attachment_38596" align="alignleft" width="150"]We need to sit down as a continent and build reasoned, African based solutions to our problems, says Prophet Bushiri We need to sit down as a continent and build reasoned, African based solutions to our problems, says Prophet Bushiri[/caption] In just two years, Prophet Shepherd Bushiri Founder of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG), says his Ministry has registered over 300,000 new members. But why is the ECG such a crowd puller in so short a time? Blending the spiritual needs of his followers, with skills to navigate daily challenges  with success seems to be the winning recipe. "We do not just preach, in words and deeds, the gospel of the living Jesus Christ. We also teach and empower people on how to face daily economic challenges of their lives through entrepreneurship programmes and also skills development," says Prophet Bushiri. With headquarters in Pretoria, South Africa, Prophet Bushiri says in addition to his spiritual work, he has the vision to seek African solutions to African problems. While many may be familiar with the religious side of Prophet Bushiri, the man of God has a rapidly growing business empire with the Shepherd Bushiri Investments. From aviation to real estate, farming, financial, education and IT services, Prophet Bushiri is slowly but steadily carving a niche for himself in the African business landscape. ‘At the ECG, We Don’t Attract Billionaires, We Produce Billionaires,’ says Prophet Bushiri of the sustained efforts to also boost the  entrepreneurial skills of his followers. Mr Shepherd Bushiri, thanks for accepting to grant this interview could you start by introducing yourself, who is Prophet Shepherd Bushiri the man of God, and Entrepreneur? Thank you for affording me this opportunity to speak with you. I truly appreciate you taking time out of your schedule for this. I am a Malawian born Man of God currently based in Pretoria, South Africa. I am married to Prophetess Mary Bushiri and we have two beautiful daughters. I am the founder of the Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) and its headquarters is in Pretoria South Africa. In just two years in South Africa, the church has achieved over 300 000 registered members just in South Africa. Further, we have branches in Africa, Europe, Australia and North and South America. [caption id="attachment_38597" align="alignright" width="200"]Prophet Bushiri with his family, his wife plays a leading role in running SBI Prophet Bushiri with his family, his wife plays a leading role in running SBI[/caption] I often get asked: Why is your ministry growing fast? Simply put, it is because we do not just preach, in words and deeds, the gospel of the living Jesus Christ. We also teach and empower people on how to face daily economic challenges of their lives through entrepreneurship programmes and also skills development. People are able not just to read and hear about the word of God; they also see, live and experience it. You are President of Shepherd Bushiri Investments (SBI), can you tell us about your group, and how it has evolved over the years to what it is today? We started with a vision of creating structures and systems that could empower young Africans with skills development and employment. This vision has turned into a reality. Today, we own and manage a number of business entities under Shepherd Bushiri Investments (SBI). We are in Travel and Aviation for VIP's and Presidents, through SBI Airways, where we have four jets that allow for comfortable air travel at affordable rates. We are in financial services where our Trading and Stock Exchange Services industry specialists provide comprehensive, integrated solutions to the Banking & Securities, Insurance, and Investment Management sectors. We are also in Real estate where our industry practice providing world-class standards of differentiated residential and commercial property services and delivery. Hospitality Services. Currently, we own Sparkling Waters Hotel and Spa, situated in the heart of South Africa’s Magaliesburg Mountains, it is a luxurious three-star hotel, the ideal holiday or conference venue. Further, we are also in Mobile Telecommunications Services through one of SBI’s largest group of specialists providing cutting-edge mobile services specifically designed for PSB Network members. [caption id="attachment_38598" align="alignleft" width="200"]SBI Airways, has four jets that allow for comfortable air travel at affordable rates SBI Airways, has four jets that allow for comfortable air travel at affordable rates[/caption] Other entities include: SB University, SB Mining, SB Mobile Network, SB Trading Exchange Platform, SB Media, SB Real Estates and SB Agriculture. How did you get the seed money or capital and at what point did the big break come for the SBI Group? After I began my ministry in Malawi, I realised that for a ministry to go far, I needed more money. Besides that, I am a father, a husband and a family man. I needed money to take care of my family. Using my small savings from personal endeavours, family assistance and well-wishers I ventured into farming. I was growing and selling maize on a family land—by the way, maize is Malawi’s staple food. I started saving and investing every fortune I got from my maize sales. With days, my investments began to grow. These profits afforded me the opportunity to be where I am today. The key word is ‘saving’ and ‘investing wisely.’ There are definitely other business ventures of yours that we are not aware, is Prophet Shepherd Bushiri willing to share them with us? SBI businesses are the ones stated above. What ties do you have with your home country of Malawi and any projects you have carried out there? I am a proud and patriotic Malawian. I go to Malawi often on philanthropic work. We distribute relief maize to the poor, we go to prisons, we reach out to the sick, the orphans and the elderly. Malawi is a beautiful and friendly nation. It is my home. What are some of the challenges you faced growing the group, and how will you describe the business climate in Africa, atleast in countries where you currently do business in? Well, challenges of doing business—ranging from corruption, dwindling consumer buying power and soaring taxes—will always be there. SBI, however, is turning them into success by advancing a business and investment culture that puts the clients first. Africa is a great continent with great potential. Opportunities are many and I think they will always be there. What I envision, of course, is an Africa with African solutions—be it politics, economics and social life. We need to sit down as a continent and build reasoned, African based solutions to our problems. How does Prophet Bushiri balance his pastoral duties with the corporal responsibilities he has at the SBI? Time management is essential for all works that one does but most importantly is having a strong team. Fortunately, our team is excellent. Any biblical precedent for this blend of spiritual duties and corporate interests which seems to be working for you? [caption id="attachment_38599" align="alignright" width="200"]If you read the Bible, you will note that men of God were rich including Abraham says Prophet Bushiri in response to the vilification of men of God "blessed with fortune" If you read the Bible, you will note that men of God were rich including Abraham says Prophet Bushiri in response to the vilification of men of God "blessed with fortune"[/caption] I need to emphasise here that there is a tradition of vilifying Men of God whom have been blessed them with a fortune. There is this perception that Men of God are not supposed to be involved in business, to get rich, for instance. I don’t know where this perception comes from, but, if you read the Bible, you will note that men of God were rich including Abraham. It really sets a good example but then you do not just get rich. You must be a great worker—something which I am. What is the reaction of your Church members to the business successes of their leader and for those who will want to register the same what message do you have for them? My congregants are heavily encouraged with my success in business. They see me as a source of hope and also the definition of succeeding in doing business even when you are a Christian. With the motto ‘At ECG, We Don’t Attract Billionaires, We Produce Billionaires’, I aim to transfer knowledge and skills of doing business in my congregants through the Monday Evening Service called the Diplomatic Service. During this weekly service, I train my congregant on how to begin, grow and manage a business using Godly ways. I am telling you we are making unprecedented progress! Africa has witnessed a proliferation of churches, and the opulence in which the Pastors or owners of some of the mega churches live is at odds with the everyday toil and pain of their follows, how do your own followers feel about your wealth, how do you feel when in all the wealth you have followers who live in misery, and what is your response to criticisms that religious leaders like you exploit followers for selfish ends? [caption id="attachment_38600" align="alignleft" width="200"]At ECG, We Don’t Attract Billionaires, We Produce Billionaires,’ says Bushiri At ECG, We Don’t Attract Billionaires, We Produce Billionaires,’ says Bushiri[/caption] Wealth comes from God—it’s a blessing, a gift that we are all born with. What matters is to listen to God for He is the one who has the keys to unlock it for us. The key thing is PRAYER and hard work. I have never been involved in exploiting my church members. What they contribute to ECG is for the growth of the ministry—not my personal life. This is the reason I started venturing in business so that I do not meet my needs using money from church. From your take Prophet Bushiri, how can Africans make the distinction between real and fake prophets, genuine men of God and adventurers? I am a Man of God, heavenly ordained. I cannot speak for others. I feel it’s the sole responsibility of God to make that distinction. We end with business which was the main thrust of the interview, what projects will the SBI Group be working on  in the years ahead? We are interested in growing our entities and expanding to almost every country in Africa. We also want to support more especially—the elderly, orphans and youth.  

17 comments

  1. I’m proud to be part of the ECG family. My life has changed so much physically and spiritually. Thank you Major 1 for choosing SA I love you and youre family.

  2. wonderful message, and on point, let’s start working hard and stop judging men of God rather learn from them

  3. This man is a really A blessing,huge visionary and I salute him a lot for his kind of boldness and determination. SBI is going global,its a Major entity run by a Major Prophet!!Major1

  4. Amen! We Glorify God for he loved me and us to give us a Major Prophet its a Favor! And thsnks Dady you made me Love and hungry to KNOW GOD and understand how to make it to Billionare! Surely i am following every single step! I connect to your Annointing! I shall testify

  5. This is a great article. Prayer and hardworking. Empowering people to have entrepreneurial spirit or attitude.

  6. I’m thousands of miles from Pretoria but through receiving declarations by faith, on YOUTUBE, God has transformed my life through my spiritual father Major 1.

  7. Amen DADDY I am so happy to have you as a spiritual father, my voice, a business mentor and a life coach. I am honoured, thank you God for Shepherd Bushiri Phd Major 1.

  8. powerful massege my Papa&i always learn alot from you my Papa.God should continue to protect &bless you in Jesus name amen.

  9. This is a man of God of our times. He is a role model to both christians and business men and women. He has a character that is distinctive and very rare in most men of God. My life has indeed changed because of him. Am connected.

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