Eight members of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party were officially sworn in as new Members of Parliament (MPs) on Wednesday. Among the notable individuals are Limpopo musician Gezane Eric Kobane, popularly known as Papa Penny, former Eskom CEO Brian Molefe, ex-Transnet CEO Siyabonga Gama, trains boss Lucky Montana, and former head of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Mzwanele Manyi.

In addition to these prominent figures, the MK Party also welcomed Thulani Gamede, Thembisile Mjadu, and Nompumelelo Gasa as new MPs. Their swearing-in was conducted by National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza.

The proceedings also included the swearing-in of two new members from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Sinawo Thambo and Nazier Paulsen took up the seats vacated by Mzwanele Manyi and Floyd Shivambu.

MK Parliamentary Leader Dr Hlophe says MK has brought in parliament, the most brilliant and capable in society.

– Thembisile Siboniso Mjadu
– Nompumelelo Matilda Gasa
– Lucky Montana
– Gezani Eric Kobane
– Siyabonga Innocent Gama
– Brian Molefe
– Thulani Innocent Gamede
-… pic.twitter.com/cJGB6rFjlZ

— uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (Official) (@MkhontoweSizwex) August 28, 2024

The MK Party emphasized that their newly appointed MPs are highly capable leaders who have been politically marginalized by the ruling African National Congress (ANC) under President Cyril Ramaphosa. In a statement released by MK Party leader Jacob Zuma, he expressed pride in the party’s new representatives in Parliament.

“Today we witnessed an historic moment, in the swearing in of experienced and capable black professionals, such as myself, who were politically marginalized and sidelined by the ANC of Cyril Ramaphosa. We sit here before you as public servants and members of the National Assembly representing the people of South Africa,”

Zuma said in the statement.

This significant event marks a notable shift within the MK Party, as it comes just two months after the party made headlines for dismissing 15 of its members. The dismissal was both abrupt and unceremonious, raising questions about internal party dynamics and cohesion. Despite this internal turmoil, the MK Party remains determined to project strength and unity, bringing forward these new leaders as part of its parliamentary caucus.

MK Party chief whip Sihle Ngubane officially informed Speaker Thoko Didiza of the changes within the party’s parliamentary representation. The party is positioning these new MPs as representatives of the broader South African public, particularly those who feel disenfranchised by the current political landscape.

The inclusion of these new members signals a strategic move by the MK Party to strengthen its influence in Parliament, while the appointments also underscore the growing political diversity in South Africa’s legislative environment. With the MK Party and the EFF both securing new seats, this development adds another layer to the ongoing political dynamics in the National Assembly.