In a surprising move, legendary musician and councillor Papa Penny Penny has left the African National Congress (ANC) to join former President Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party.
The announcement comes just two weeks before the crucial provincial and national elections scheduled for May 29. Papa Penny, born Gezani Eric Kobane, is not only a renowned musician but also a veteran actor.
His departure from the ANC has left many politicians taken aback, given his influential role in local and provincial ANC party politics. For over a decade, he served as a local municipality representative in Giyani and Mopani’s Norman Mashabane region, rallying support for the party.
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While Papa Penny didn’t provide specific reasons for his resignation from the ANC, he emphasized that it was a personal decision.
“There is no wife or husband who can divorce without any problems, but I cannot spoil the ANC. I have to talk about my new home and the issues between me and the people of the ANC,” he stated.
Peter Maluleke, spokesperson for the MK party in Limpopo, confirmed that Papa Penny is now an MK party member.
“He resigned from the ANC to join the MK party earlier this week. We welcome Mr. Penny Penny into our ranks with two warm hands,” said Maluleke. He praised Papa Penny’s community-building efforts, musical talent, and political integrity.
Papa Penny’s debut in the MK party will be marked by his participation in the party’s manifesto launch at Orlando Stadium this Saturday. As a crowd-puller and respected leader, he is expected to contribute significantly to the party’s growth in the province.
ANC chief whip in the Greater Giyani Municipal Council, Thomas Makondo, acknowledged Papa Penny’s resignation. “As the ANC, we do not wish to lose members, but if it is his wish to leave, we accept,” he stated.
The political landscape in South Africa is shifting, and Papa Penny’s move adds intrigue to an already heated election season. As voters prepare to head to the polls, all eyes will be on the MK party’s manifesto launch and the impact of Papa Penny’s endorsement.
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