Popular musician and uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) Member of Parliament (MP) Gezane Eric Kobane, known as Papa Penny, has resigned from both the party and Parliament, citing internal attacks, vilification and reputational damage allegedly caused by the party’s Limpopo provincial leaders.
In a resignation letter addressed to MK Party President Jacob Zuma, Papa Penny said he joined the party voluntarily, knowing the struggle to attain the emancipation of the people would come at a cost.
However, he said he did not anticipate 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.”
He said he would have been able to tolerate such conduct if it came from outside the party.
“And as a revolutionary, I could stomach such behaviour if it were coming from the enemies of our revolution. Unfortunately, when such comes from those within our ranks, it is impossible to overlook such a betrayal,” he wrote.
Papa Penny further raised concerns over media statements he said sought to impair his dignity and reputation, which he said he had built over decades of hard work, especially in environments that were not accommodating to people of his background.
He said he joined MKP voluntarily and served the party to the best of his abilities.
“I joined MKP voluntarily, and I served it to this point to the best of my abilities. Therefore, kindly accept my resignation, and I wish the party well,” he wrote.
He also expressed gratitude to Jacob Zuma for the opportunity to serve in Parliament and contribute to public service.
“Lastly, I would like to thank President Zuma for the opportunity that the MKP gave me to be part of the National Parliament, and be of service to our people, and for that I will forever be grateful,” he said.
Papa Penny was sworn in as a Member of Parliament for the MK Party following the 2024 general elections.
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Hope Ntanzi
iol.co.za
