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Papa Penny transfers to Afrika Mayibuye from MKP
On May 20, 2026, Floyd Shivambu, the leader of the Afrika Mayibuye Movement, called a press conference in Johannesburg to announce a notable political crossover. Gezane Eric Kobane, widely recognized as the “Shangaan Disco King” Papa Penny and a former Member of Parliament for the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP), had officially switched allegiance to Mayibuye. This came just days after he stepped down from the MKP. A sudden political shift.
Papa Penny submitted his resignation to former President Jacob Zuma, leader of the MKP, on May 15, 2026. He vacated both his parliamentary seat and his party membership at that time.
Reasons for Departure from MKP
In his resignation letter to Zuma, Papa Penny was straightforward about his dissatisfaction. He noted that while he had willingly joined the MKP and understood that political work involves personal sacrifices, he was troubled that the difficulties he faced came from within the party rather than from outside opponents.
He wrote that he could tolerate such behavior if it originated from political rivals, but found it impossible to ignore when it came from fellow members. His letter specifically mentioned “attacks, vilification and belittling” from the MKP’s Limpopo provincial leadership. He also claimed that media statements had been released to harm his reputation, which he had spent decades building in environments that were often unwelcoming to people from his background.
Observers pointed to other possible reasons behind the split. Reports suggested a disagreement over local government ambitions in Limpopo, particularly Papa Penny’s interest in becoming the MKP’s mayoral candidate for Greater Giyani Local Municipality ahead of the November 2026 elections. Sources within the MKP’s national leadership said he had “forcefully urged” senior officials to back him as the party’s face in Giyani, but key regional figures did not respond favorably.
Choosing Mayibuye
When asked why he chose Afrika Mayibuye, Papa Penny described the move as a return to familiar ground. He told the Johannesburg gathering that people had been wondering where he would go next, and he replied that he was “going home.”
He expressed gratitude to Zuma for giving him the chance to serve in Parliament, but said he believed Mayibuye would offer more opportunities to help his community. He emphasized that he left the MKP on good terms.
A Role with Purpose
Floyd Shivambu made it clear that Papa Penny was not joining as an ordinary member. He would take on a leadership position within Mayibuye, specifically overseeing the party’s campaign in Greater Giyani and nearby areas in Limpopo.
This assignment draws on Papa Penny’s long history in the region. Before his brief time in Parliament with the MKP, he served as a ward councillor in Greater Giyani Municipality for over ten years. Shivambu called him the “best-performing councillor” in his ward and a dedicated grassroots leader.
Shivambu expressed confidence that Papa Penny’s experience, local connections, and commitment to community work would help build a strong movement for freedom and emancipation.
A Political Journey Comes Full Circle
Papa Penny’s career reflects the shifting nature of South African politics. The musician, whose first album Shaka Bundu sold over 250,000 copies, began his political life as an ANC councillor in Giyani, serving for about a decade. He later joined the MKP just before the May 2024 general elections and became an MP on its ticket.
After his short and rocky stay with the MKP, he has now aligned with Floyd Shivambu’s Afrika Mayibuye Movement. Interestingly, Shivambu followed a similar path; he joined the MKP after the 2024 elections, became its Secretary-General for roughly seven months, then was fired in June 2025 and expelled the following month.
Looking Toward November 2026
Papa Penny’s switch comes as Mayibuye prepares for the local government elections scheduled for November 4, 2026. Shivambu has announced that the party intends to contest all 4,488 wards nationwide and create manifestos tailored to each municipality. Mayibuye has also brought in other well-known figures, including podcast host Themba Nzimande (Skeem GP), as head of mobilisation.
For Papa Penny, the move allows him to return to his political base in Limpopo, where his popularity as a musician and former councillor could boost Mayibuye’s electoral chances. For Mayibuye, gaining a recognizable cultural figure with deep local ties in a key municipality is a strategic win as the party builds momentum ahead of the local polls.
In his resignation letter to Zuma, Papa Penny wrote that he had joined the MKP voluntarily and served to the best of his ability. He asked for his resignation to be accepted and wished the party well. Those good wishes, however, did not stop him from finding a new political home just five days later.
