Papa Penny has resigned from uMkhonto weSizwe Party and as a Member of Parliament
Image: VUYILE MADWANTSI
Veteran Tsonga musician turned politician Gezane Eric Kobane, widely known as Papa Penny, has resigned from the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) and stepped down as a Member of Parliament with immediate effect.
In a resignation letter addressed to MKP president Jacob Zuma on Friday, the artist said he was leaving the party with “deep sorrow” following growing tensions and internal conflict within the organisation’s Limpopo structures.
Kobane said he joined the MKP voluntarily to fight for the “emancipation of our people”, but alleged that his efforts were met with hostility from some provincial leaders.
According to the resignation letter, he experienced “attacks, vilification and belittling” from individuals within the party, adding that recent media statements were aimed at tarnishing the reputation he had built over decades in both music and public life.
“And as a revolutionary, I could stomach such behaviour if it was coming from the enemies of our revolution. Unfortunately, when such things come from those within our ranks, it is impossible to overlook such a betrayal,” Kobane wrote.
Despite his frustration, the veteran performer thanked Zuma for giving him the opportunity to serve in Parliament and represent South Africans under the MKP banner.
The MKP, founded and led by Zuma, has rapidly expanded its political footprint since entering the national political arena, while also undergoing internal restructuring in several provinces.
Kobane’s resignation is expected to be a significant blow to the party in Limpopo, particularly in the Mopani District and the Greater Giyani area, where he enjoyed strong support as a prominent public figure and political representative.
Kobane had a popular reality show on Mzansi Magic, Papa Penny Ahee, which ran for four seasons.
The MKP had not yet issued an official response to the resignation at the time of publication.
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