Benjamin Dube Prays for Ex-Con Skeem GP's Mayoral Campaign, Mzansi Reacts

• Gospel legend Reverend Benjamin Dube has endorsed Afrika Mayibuye Movement's Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Themba 'Skeem GP' Nzimande
• Dube declared Skeem GP his 'son' and compared his leadership qualities to those of former US President Barack Obama in the short clip
• The endorsement drew sharp backlash from South Africans, with many questioning Dube's motives and raising Skeem GP's criminal past

Gospel star Reverend Benjamin Dube has found himself in hot water after a video emerged of him praying over and endorsing Themba "Skeem GP" Nzimande, the Afrika Mayibuye Movement's mayoral candidate for Ekurhuleni. Filmed indoors against a plain wall under fluorescent lighting, the clip shows three people gathered in what appears to be a casual backstage or event setting, laughing and interacting warmly; however Mzansi is not amused.

In the short video posted on Sunday, 13 September 2026, Dube addressed the camera with unmistakable enthusiasm, calling Nzimande his "son" and vouching for his readiness to lead.

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"He's been impacted by the leadership of Obama. And I don't doubt him. I think he's the right person," Dube said, before the clip ended in shared laughter.

Who is Skeem GP?

Nzimande is a podcaster and public figure known online as Skeem GP. His bid for the Ekurhuleni mayoralty has attracted scrutiny because of his criminal history, which includes a conviction for impersonating a police officer. The endorsement from a respected gospel figure like Dube only amplified the controversy.

Mzansi questions Dube's motives

The video, shared on X by @SkeemGp_SA, spread rapidly and triggered a wave of scepticism and disbelief.

@Mlanjana_1 remarked: "To be a criminal is mandatory in South African politics."

@ImpactScholarZA was blunt: "Jokes! God better not be done. One Egypt after another? Kanti soneni?"

@Eintlik_ raised a different concern: "We don't trust men who are not married in leadership positions yet they preach the gospel."

@NonjabuloC94118 zeroed in on the candidate's record: "Impersonating a police officer and u guys trust that person lol."

@MsaneThabile speculated: "I wonder how much he paid them."

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@pamelapumla was direct in her dismissal: "Uyadlala Benjamin asizi pray for your thug 😂."

@phillixing offered a cynical take on the broader dynamic: "As long the tithe and offering is fat I talk good about you son 😂😂😂😂 me in my church."

Source: Briefly News