Former MK Party MP Gezane “Papa Penny” Kobane announced his departure from the party, citing internal conditions and alleged sabotage by ANC-linked operatives in Limpopo. Kobane stated that these individuals within the MKP structures pushed him to the edge, despite his warnings to the party leadership. He explained that internal conditions within the party ultimately forced him to leave.
“I never fought with President Zuma or national leaders,” Kobane said. He added, “The people fighting me were comrades working under the ANC. I warned the leadership that these people were spies trying to destroy MKP from inside, but nothing was done.” Kobane reiterated that he was pushed to the edge by individuals he described as ANC-linked operatives within MKP structures in Limpopo.
New Political Home
Gezane “Papa Penny” Kobane confirmed his decision to join the Afrika Mayibuye Movement, led by Floyd Shivambu. The veteran musician appears determined to remain politically active following his departure from the MK Party. He has been named the Afrika Mayibuye Movement’s mayoral candidate for the Greater Giyani Municipality in the upcoming local government elections. Kobane stated he initially joined the party believing it represented a genuine struggle for ordinary people. He had previously indicated that his issues were not with the national leadership. “I never fought with President Zuma or national leaders,” Kobane said, adding, “The people fighting me were comrades working under the ANC. I warned the leadership that these people were spies trying to destroy MKP from inside, but nothing was done.” His determination to remain politically active shows his commitment to public service despite the recent setback.
Internal Sabotage Allegations
Gezane “Papa Penny” Kobane accused certain figures within the MK Party of actively working against him, alleging that the party leadership failed to intervene. Kobane's departure was reportedly driven by mounting frustration after his repeated warnings to the party leadership regarding these internal issues allegedly went unheeded. The move was specifically driven by this frustration after repeated warnings to party leadership allegedly went ignored. He stated that he became increasingly disillusioned following what he described as sustained attacks from within the organization. These claims suggest a pattern of internal friction that ultimately led to his exit from the MK Party. The former MP indicated that he had alerted party officials to the alleged activities, but no action was taken to address his concerns. His account points to a breakdown in communication and trust within the party's structures, particularly concerning his interactions with specific members. He explicitly accused certain figures inside the organisation of working against him while the leadership failed to act. The situation led Kobane to seek a new political affiliation, noting the impact of the alleged internal sabotage on his political career within the MK Party. He became increasingly disillusioned after allegedly enduring sustained attacks from within the organisation, which contributed significantly to his decision to leave.
Denial of Leadership Conflict
Gezane “Papa Penny” Kobane clarified that his departure from the MK Party was not due to conflict with the national leadership, including Zuma. In a resignation letter addressed to Zuma, Kobane stated that his most significant disappointment stemmed from the actions of fellow comrades. He emphasized that the issues forcing his exit originated from individuals whom he identified as operatives linked to the ANC, working within the MK Party’s structures in Limpopo. In the resignation letter addressed to Zuma, he stated that the most painful betrayal came from fellow comrades within the party. Kobane indicated that he had repeatedly warned the party leadership about these alleged saboteurs, but his concerns were not addressed. He maintained that these internal elements sought to undermine the MK Party from within, ultimately leading to his decision to leave.
