Former Midvaal Mayor Bongani Baloyi, once hailed as one of South Africa’s youngest and most capable public administrators, has once again surprised the political scene with his latest move – turning down an invitation from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) to serve as a Member of Parliament and instead choosing to align himself with the relatively unknown Zama Zama Party.
The development has sparked widespread discussion across South Africa’s political circles, as many analysts view Baloyi’s decision as a bold, albeit unconventional, step away from established political powerhouses.
According to political insiders, the EFF had extended a formal invitation to Baloyi, citing his impressive record in governance during his tenure as Executive Mayor of the Midvaal Local Municipality under the Democratic Alliance (DA). Baloyi was widely credited for transforming Midvaal into one of the best-run municipalities in Gauteng, consistently receiving clean audits and recognition for effective service delivery.
However, instead of joining the EFF – a party that publicly praised his administrative acumen – Baloyi opted to join the Zama Zama Party, a relatively new and untested political formation on the national stage. The decision has raised questions about his political strategy and long-term ambitions.
Baloyi, who left the DA in 2022 after citing ideological differences and the need for a new political direction, briefly led his own party, Xiluva, which he founded in 2023. His leadership in Xiluva was characterised by an emphasis on ethical governance and youth-driven participation in politics, though the party struggled to gain traction nationally.
Political analyst Professor Sipho Seepe described Baloyi’s latest move as “a high-risk, low-reward gamble,” noting that the Zama Zama Party currently lacks the infrastructure, resources, and national recognition to compete with larger political formations. “Baloyi has the leadership qualities and administrative record that could have been an asset to the EFF in Parliament. His decision to join a much smaller party could limit his political influence,” Seepe said.
While the Zama Zama Party’s policy platform remains relatively obscure, it is believed to focus on economic empowerment, youth employment, and anti-corruption measures — issues that resonate with Baloyi’s past public service record.
As South Africa approaches another highly competitive election cycle, all eyes will be on whether Baloyi’s alignment with the Zama Zama Party will give new life to his political journey or fade amid the country’s increasingly crowded political landscape.
For now, his decision represents both a personal conviction and a political risk — one that may either redefine his legacy or relegate him to the periphery of South Africa’s mainstream politics.
