By Doreen Mokgolo
The Shangaani disco king Papa Penny has dumped the ANC after 14 years as a councillor in Ward five in Giyani, Limpopo.
The musician handed in his resignation to the party on 13 May and announced that he was joining the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) party.
On Saturday the musician made it official when he asked party president Jacob Zuma to dress him in a green and yellow cape.
In an interview with Scrolla.Africa, Papa Penny said while he was with the ANC he had to fight to be heard and for services for the people in the villages he led.
“In 2012, I pleaded and had to fight hard for a tar road and pavement to be constructed. I even reached out to Jacob Zuma who was president at the time to intervene.
“A 22.5 km tar road was constructed in Zamani Village and pavements in residential areas. I was told that I talk too much and I will not receive any projects in my ward.”
The musician said he came up with a project to plant avocado trees in every household. When the fruits were ripe they could be sold and the profit would help sustain the families, but this was blocked too.
“I demanded a borehole with 1,200 megalitres to be built in the ward but I was publicly insulted that I was trying to topple the local chief with all the changes I was trying to make.
“Those projects were stopped and to this day the people in that area still struggle with water supply,” he said.
Papa Penny said he was a laughing stock and the ANC never came to his rescue.
“In 2021, I was demoted to a mere PR councillor. This was to take away my power and talent to lead my community.
“I used their stipend to buy 50 poor households food parcels,” he said.
The award-winning musician said in all the performances he has done for the ANC he had to cry and plead for a slot.
“Do you think anyone can divorce someone without challenges? I am tired. All they know is to give people T-shirts and make promises. They are cold hearted,” he said.
Pictured above: Papa Penny.
Image source: Doreen Mokgolo
