Isidingo and Rhythm City Actor George Nkabinde Joins AEF Party, Eyes Ward 24 Councillor Seat

• George Nkabinde, known for his roles on Isidingo, The Queen and Rhythm City, has swapped the screen for the political stage
• The actor, who is also a sangoma and Archbishop, left the ANC after more than two decades to join the African Economic Freedom Party
• Nkabinde is now contesting for two positions ahead of the upcoming local government elections in Klipgat, North West

George Nkabinde, the actor and sangoma best known for his television work on 'Isidingo', 'The Queen' and 'Rhythm City', has made a dramatic career pivot by stepping into formal politics. The Klipgat, North West, resident has joined the African Economic Freedom (AEF) party and is now eyeing not one but two elected positions in the upcoming local government elections.

From TV screens to party politics

Nkabinde, who is also an Archbishop of the Saint George Apostolic Church in Zion, walked away from the ANC earlier this year after being a card-carrying member since 2003. He officially joined AEF in April 2026 and was appointed the party's Bojanala regional secretary. He is now contesting for a regional Proportional Representation councillor position as well as the Ward 24 councillor seat in Klipgat.

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The actor told Daily Sun that his desire to serve his community has long driven his interest in local government, but the right opportunity had never presented itself until now. He said AEF felt like a natural home because many of its leaders are pastors and bishops, which he believes aligns with his own values.

What Nkabinde wants to fix in Ward 24

Should he win a seat, Nkabinde has outlined a clear set of priorities. Youth unemployment tops his list, alongside concerns about young residents struggling to secure residential stands while alleging that some plots are being occupied by people from outside the community.

Crime is also high on his agenda. He has called for stronger accountability within the local police service and raised concerns about residents supplying alcohol to officers on duty. He has also advocated for better educational infrastructure in the area, specifically a technical school to improve skills development.

Nkabinde views his various roles, as actor, sangoma, church leader and now politician, as all connected by a single thread: serving people. His entertainment career, which included appearances on Rhythm City between 2015 and 2018, brought him into many South African homes, and he is hoping that familiarity will work in his favour at the ballot box.

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Local resident Boitumelo Maluleka backed his political ambitions, describing Nkabinde as a good-hearted person who has the qualities of a strong community leader.

Temudzani Gabriel joins politics

Veteran Muvhango actor Gabriel Temudzani officially joined ActionSA, with party leader Herman Mashaba sharing the news on X.

Mashaba welcomed the Limpopo-born star in Tshivenḓa and posted photos of the actor receiving his party membership.

Source: Briefly News