Bongani Baloyi becomes a member of the MK Party

Bongani Baloyi, the former ActionSA leader in Gauteng, is the newest high-profile politician to join the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, led by Jacob Zuma.

Baloyi joins MK Party following his party Xiluva’s dismal election showing in the 29 May elections.

BONGANI BALOYI JOINS MK PARTY

During the briefing, Baloyi confirmed that he will deregister Xiluva and also encouraged its members to join the MK Party.

Here’s a look at the 37-year-old’s political career:

• Bongani joined the Democratic Alliance (DA) in 2005 and has served on the Vaal Region Executive Committee, the Provincial Executive Committee, and the Federal Council. 
• From 2011 to 2013, he was a member of the municipality’s Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Development and Planning.
• In 2013, he made history when he became Executive Mayor of Midvaal local municipality, marking him as the youngest mayor in South Africa. He was only 26 years old.
• In December 2021, he dumped the DA and joined ActionSA, a party formed by former Johannesburg mayor Herman Mashaba, where he was appointed Gauteng chairperson. 
• In March 2023, he dumped ActionSA and formed his party, Xiluva. According to several news reports, Baloyi was at loggerheads with Herman Mashaba. The newly formed party performed poorly in the 29 May elections, receiving only 2 500 votes on the national ballot.