Papa Penny dumps ANC to Join Umkhonto we Sizwe.
Popular musician and reality television star Papa Penny, born Gezani Eric Kobane has left the ANC to join former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party amid speculation surrounding his political future.
Papa Penny was councillor at the Giyani local municipality.
The move comes just two weeks before the 29 May provincial and national elections.
Spokesperson for the MK party in Limpopo, Peter Maluleke, confirmed the councillor was now an MK party member.
“We welcome Mr Penny Penny into our ranks with two warm hands. Him joining the MK party has since brought wild jubilation to the party because Penny Penny is an asset. He is a respected community builder, a prominent musician and a politician of honour.
Papa Penny is expected to step down from his position as a councillor of the ANC in the Greater Giyani Local Municipality, specifically representing Nkuri village.
ANC Chief Whip in the Greater Giyani Municipal Council, Thomas Makondo, and Goodman Mitileni, ANC Regional Secretary in the Norman Mashabane Region, have confirmed Papa Penny’s resignation from council.
“As the ANC in council, we accepted his resignation and we wish him well at his new political home. As the ANC, we do not wish to lose members but if is his wish to leave, we accept.”
Papa Penny is set to perform at Soweto’s Orlando Stadium this weekend during the launch of a MK’s people’s programme event.
Maluluke said his involvement is instrumental in boosting the growth of the party within the province.
Papa Penny didn’t give a reason for his resignation other than saying it is “best known by myself”.