Popular Shangaan disco king and Reality TV star Penny Penny has resigned from uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP).
In a statement issued on Friday May 15, Penny Penny, who is also known as Papa Penny, said he resigned from the Jacob Zuma led party because of attacks, humiliation and betrayal from within the organisation.
Penny Penny, real name Eric Kobane, said the decision to walk away from the nascent political formation came after enduring what he described as persistent vilification and public humiliation at the hands of provincial leaders in Limpopo.
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“It is with a heavy heart that I submit my resignation,” the letter reads.
Penny Penny said his decision to join the MK Party was motivated by a desire to fight for the emancipation of black people and contribute meaningfully to the struggle for economic freedom and dignity.
However, he said, the biggest disappointment was discovering that the fiercest attacks did not come from political opponents, but from people within the movement itself.
“What I did not anticipate was that such costs would come from attacks, vilification and belittling of my person and efforts by those who are in the provincial leadership of the party in Limpopo,” the letter stated.
The resignation also raises concerns about alleged internal divisions within the party, which has rapidly grown into one of South Africa’s most talked-about political organizations since its formation under former Zuma.
Penny Penny , who joined MK Party after his dramatic resignation from the ANC after a fall out with ANC Secretary General Filipe Mbalula, further accused some party leaders of issuing media statements intended to damage his personal dignity and public reputation.
He suggested that these attacks were especially painful because they came from fellow comrades rather than political enemies.
“As a revolutionary, I could stomach such behaviour if it was coming from enemies of the revolution. Unfortunately, when such comes from those within our own ranks, it is impossible to overlook such betrayal,” the letter said.
Despite the bitterness surrounding the departure, Penny Penny thanked Zuma and the MK Party for the opportunity to serve in Parliament and represent ordinary South Africans.
The resignation is likely to intensify speculation about growing internal instability within the MK Party, particularly in Limpopo, where factional battles and leadership disputes have reportedly been simmer
