Gezane Eric Kobane, also known as Papa Penny, is a former member of parliament for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. Recently, he has formally joined the Afrika Mayibuye Movement, which is led by Floyd Shivambu. This is yet another significant political development that has occurred since his resignation from the MK Party.
For the purpose of bolstering the movement in preparation for the local government elections that will take place in 2026, Shivambu revealed a number of new leadership appointments during a media event that took place on Wednesday in Johannesburg.
The move by Papa Penny comes just a few days after he resigned from both Parliament and the MK Party. He cited internal disagreement, purported attacks from party members, and rising unhappiness with the party’s provincial leadership structures in Limpopo as the reasons for his resignation.
During the briefing, Shivambu confirmed that the legendary musician, media personality, and former member of parliament would play a strategic leadership role within the movement, particularly in Limpopo’s Greater Giyani Local Municipality and the districts that are surrounding it.
Shivambu lauded Papa Penny as a trustworthy and knowledgeable political figure who had previously held the position of councillor in Greater Giyani Municipality for a period of time exceeding ten years previous to his current position. He expressed optimism that his grassroots influence will assist enhance the movement’s political footprint in Limpopo and regarded him as one of the councillors in Ward 5 who had the finest performance throughout the course of his tenure.
In rural Limpopo villages, where Papa Penny enjoys strong popularity through both politics and entertainment, political observers feel that his defection could have symbolic significance. This is especially true in the context of agricultural communities.
Papa Penny formally handed over his resignation letter to former President Jacob Zuma last week. In the letter, he accused certain members of the MK Party leadership in Limpopo of subjecting him to internal attacks, vilification, and efforts to harm his public character.
In the letter, he stated that he had anticipated criticism from political adversaries, but he had never anticipated that individuals within the organization that he had joined would be hostile toward him. He expressed his gratitude to Zuma for the opportunity to serve as a Member of Parliament under the flag of the MK Party, despite the fact that he was experiencing displeasure.
Within the MK Party, which has been experiencing a number of internal conflicts and leadership differences in a number of provinces ever since its quick debut on South Africa’s political landscape, the most recent political move adds to the mounting tensions that have been occurring within the party.
During the meeting, Shivambu also made other announcements regarding appointments within the Afrika Mayibuye Movement. Skeem GP, also known as podcast host Themba Nzimande, was one of the individuals who gained the position of head of mobilisation.
In addition to Dr. Moselene Du Plessis, Precious Mthiyane, Nweti Bila, Molatelo Mahladisa, Lufuno Buda, Grace Dlamini, and Blessing Ramoba, other newly released personalities contain their names.
As part of broader preparations to actively contest the local government elections in 2026 throughout many provinces, the movement has announced that the appointments are a part of those preparations.