Former DA councillor and founder of the Xiluva Party has announced the de-registration of his party following his decision to join the now popular, uMkhonto weSizwe Party.
Baloyi announced his decision to partner with the Zuma-led party during a press briefing held at the YMCA Hall in Dube Soweto.
His decision comes a day after, former EFF youth leader, Mpho Morolane also defected to the MKP on Wednesday morning.
It also follows hot on the heels of former South African Rainbow Alliance (SARA), Colleen Makhubele who joined the MKP last week, and three weeks after EFF deputy president Floyd Shivambu, stunned the country when last month, he decided not to renew his membership.
The latest developments have set tongues wagging in the country’s political circles.
Baloyi said his decision was inspired by the harsh realities facing smaller parties and the need to consolidate smaller parties to be part of the solution instead of standing by the sidelines while the country burns.
“The time for fragmentation is gone. We went and tried to contest the elections. People spoke decisively so. So when we saw uMkhonto weSizwe, we saw ourselves in it which is why we have decided to unite behind it. They wanted us to consolidate with other parties and we resisted a lot of pressure too from analysts, the media to wanted us to consolidate with the Oppenheimers,“ he said.
Baloyi who has brought other members and leaders of his party said his move to the MK Party is long term, adding that he is willing to work on the ground for the next five years if needs be.
“We have now taken the decision to de-register Xiluva as a political party. I am not worried about what people will say. All I know is that my children and history will judge correctly for not sitting in the corner. I could ask some of you what have you done to liberate our people,” he said.
Political analyst, Lesiba Teffo said the recent developments are part of a bigger Zuma plan to build the MK Party into a formidable force.
“We are now waking up to the realisation of the Zuma Tsunami. What am I saying is the the second coming of the Zuma Tsunami is here. Whether he will enter the State house is another matter. He is really sweeping the country clean. With or without him, I have a sense that the ANC is still going to lose, but this is precipice action or moves by Zuma,” he said.
Baloyi was welcomed into the fold by leaders of the MKP’s greater Johannesburg region and others from Soweto.
Welcoming him was Thabang Nkani, leader of the MKP in Greater Johannesburg, who said having watched Baloyi lead the DA in Midvaal, he was a great addition to the MKP.
“We know Bongani Baloyi as a young leader in Midvaal and he did a great job there for three years where the municipality did well. After him, we know that the situation there is no longer the same. So, we welcome him to the MK Party because we know in him, we have a great young leader,” he said.
The Star