Thokozile Mnguni
Popular entertainer turned politician Papa Penny has resigned from the uMkhonto we Sizwe Party (MKP), bringing an end to his role in the party and its parliamentary caucus.
In a resignation letter shared on his Facebook page, the MP, whose real name is Gezane Kobani, said he was stepping down with a “heavy heart” after what he described as internal attacks and a lack of support from party leaders in Limpopo.
Kobani said he joined the party believing in its mission to advance the interests of South Africans, but did not expect to face what he called “attacks, vilification and belittling” from members within its provincial leadership.
He also raised concerns over media statements that he said damaged his dignity and reputation, which he claimed to have built over decades through hard work, particularly as someone who had faced challenges because of his background.
Kobani said he could have accepted criticism from political opponents, but found it difficult to ignore what he described as betrayal from within the party’s own ranks.
“I joined MKP voluntarily, and I have 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 ended the letter by thanking former president Jacob Zuma for the opportunity to serve in Parliament under the MKP banner and to contribute to public service.
The party had not publicly responded to Kobani’s resignation at the time of publication.