Skeem GP struggles to explain how he would run Ekurhuleni, says ‘You’re grilling me’

According to IOL, Themba “Skeem GP” Nzimande came under pressure during a television interview when he struggled to explain how he would address governance, financial and service delivery problems in Ekurhuleni if elected mayor.

Interview revealed gaps on policy and experience

IOL reports that during the Newzroom Afrika interview with anchor Xoli Mngambi, questions about what experience and qualifications Nzimande would bring to manage the metro prompted difficult exchanges.

When asked about his background and capacity to handle Ekurhuleni’s troubles, Nzimande said he should be viewed as part of the Afrika Mayibuye party leadership and that he had been learning since joining the party. “I do not come as Themba Lukhele, but I come as the entity Afrika Mayibuye. I joined Afrika Mayibuye a year ago. I’ve been in class ever since,” he told the interviewer, according to IOL.

Claims about corruption and revenue losses

According to IOL, Nzimande described corruption as widespread in Ekurhuleni and used the metaphor “a bucket of water with holes” to characterise the municipality. He alleged some service providers are required to pay officials a portion of their invoices before being paid, and said companies from outside the city were also expected to make additional payments.

IOL reports Nzimande identified revenue enhancement as a priority, saying money was being lost through the city’s revenue collection system.

Defence of candidacy and response to scrutiny

IOL says the Afrika Mayibuye Movement has defended its decision to field Nzimande amid public backlash over his candidacy. The article also notes Nzimande is a former cash‑in‑transit robber who now hosts the Against The Wall podcast.

Pressed on why residents should trust him with public funds, Nzimande told the interviewer he was “not a politician” and would rely on experienced people. When Mngambi told him he had failed to answer some questions, Nzimande responded,

“You’re grilling me Xoli, and you said ‘no, I will take you head-on,”

and later said, “You’re grilling me”, according to IOL.

How Nzimande framed his motivation

IOL reports Nzimande described the mayoral bid as a “calling” and said he was willing to learn. He pointed to his broadcasting work and community involvement as evidence of his connection to local issues, saying he has engaged with matters including drugs, gangsterism, bullying, teenage pregnancy and gender‑based violence in Ekurhuleni.

What the interview spotlighted

The interview, as described by IOL, highlighted questions about how a mayoral candidate with Nzimande’s background would translate his stated priorities into concrete plans to address Ekurhuleni’s governance, financial and service delivery challenges.