Xitsonga music star Benny Mayengani has officially stepped away from politics, announcing his resignation as president of the Action Alliance Development Party (AADP) and withdrawing from all political activities.
This amid rumours that he is on the brink of joining newly formed political organisation Afrika Mayibuye Movement (AMM), founded by former EFF deputy President and MK Party Secretary-General Floyd Shibambu.
In a heartfelt statement, Mayengani said the decision followed “a marathon of convincing and careful career consideration,” adding that he had accepted advice from his management and business advisors to focus entirely on music and cultural representation.
“It’s a fact that my primary focus will now be music and being a force in representing my culture and tradition,” he said.
Reflecting on his political journey, Mayengani described it as a valuable life experience that shaped him personally and professionally.
“The teachings and life lessons from my past political journey is one to treasure for lifetime,” he said.
He also thanked supporters, party members, friends and family who stood by him throughout the formation and growth of AADP.
“Thank you to everyone who supported AADP, those who gave us their votes, had sleepless nights assisting in all angles niri ni dangisini! To my family, friends and supporters thank you for standing with me, always.”
Mayengani emphasised that music remains a unifying force in society, saying:
“Music is a language that seeks to unite even those who cannot hear each other. It heals in silence while evoking emotions.”
The AADP was launched in June 2023 by Mayengani after his previous political stints with the Economic Freedom Fighters and later the African National Congress. The party focused on service delivery and tackling youth unemployment and contested the 2024 national elections, but failed to secure parliamentary representation.
Before forming AADP, Mayengani served as a proportional representation councillor in the City of Johannesburg under the EFF banner in 2016 before resigning in 2019. He later joined the ANC in February 2020.
At the time of the party’s formation, AADP spokesperson Hlayisani Nkhwaxu assured supporters that politics would not interfere with Mayengani’s music career, saying he would continue releasing albums and performing at events and festivals across the country.
With his political chapter now officially closed, Mayengani appears set to fully return to the music industry and cultural advocacy that first made him a household name.
