MKP creatives decry Papa Penny’s removal and claim marginalisation within party

According to IOL (Independent Online), the removal of musician Gezane Eric Kobane, known as Papa Penny, from parliament last month has prompted outrage from artists aligned to the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP).

Artists say they are being sidelined

According to IOL (Independent Online), members of the MKP-affiliated uMkhonto weSizwe Creatives (MKC) said they are being “treated as stepchildren” and that the party is “isolating them”, concerns they say point to widening divisions within the party.

Leadership dispute over parliamentary seat

According to IOL (Independent Online), MKC deputy president Lindani Maphumulo said Papa Penny deserved his position on the parliamentary Sport, Arts and Culture Portfolio Committee and warned that the party is moving away from its original promise of elevating grassroots figures. Maphumulo said

“a lot of people have been resigning because whatever was promised initially by MKP in terms of uniqueness is no longer happening”

MKP response and internal channels

According to IOL (Independent Online), MKP spokesperson Sifiso Mahlangu told the media that MKP structures are free to engage leadership internally but not through the press, adding that the leadership is “greatly accessible” and encouraging members to use internal processes.

Resignation and new affiliation

According to IOL (Independent Online), Papa Penny joined the Afrika Mayibuye Movement led by MKP secretary-general Floyd Shivambu in May after resigning from the MKP. The report states that in his resignation letter to Jacob Zuma, Papa Penny cited “internal attacks, vilification and reputational damage allegedly caused by the party’s Limpopo provincial leaders”.

Claims about MKC’s status and resources

According to IOL (Independent Online), Maphumulo said the MKC was founded in 2024 by Siyabonga Nene, known as Big Zulu, who has since stepped aside because of international commitments. Maphumulo also claimed the MKP brought in outsiders such as Nathi Nhleko and Brian Molefe into positions, including in parliament, rather than promoting MKC members.

According to IOL (Independent Online), Maphumulo said MKC has not received the same endorsement from MKP as the women’s league, young league and people with disabilities, that the MKC is being neglected and “gatekept”, and that it is operating on a “zero budget”.

Organisational reach and past disputes

According to IOL (Independent Online), the MKC has launched provincial structures in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and North West and is working to expand to Limpopo, Eastern Cape and Western Cape.

According to IOL (Independent Online), the report noted that in December the league attacked KwaZulu-Natal parliament Speaker Nontembeko Boyce, accusing her of taking sides in an MKP-sponsored motion of no confidence against the Thami Ntuli-led provincial cabinet.

What this means going forward

The accounts reported by IOL suggest internal tensions over representation, resources and appointments within MKP. MKC members quoted in the report continue to press for recognition and support from party structures while the MKP leadership has urged internal engagement rather than public statements, according to IOL.