Afrika Mayibuye Names Skeem GP As Ekurhuleni Mayoral Candidate, Mzansi Reacts

• Floyd Shivambu's Afrika Mayibuye Movement announced former cash-in-transit offender Themba 'Skeem GP' Nzimande as its Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate on 5 September
• The party defended the controversial pick by citing restorative justice and Nzimande's personal transformation
• South Africans reacted with a mix of disbelief and sharp humour on social media

SOUTH AFRICA - Former cash-in-transit offender and popular podcaster Themba Nzimande, better known as Skeem GP, has been named the Afrika Mayibuye Movement's mayoral candidate for the City of Ekurhuleni. The announcement dropped on 5 September, the same day the party marked its first anniversary, and it immediately set social media alight.

The announcement was made by party founder and president Floyd Shivambu. Within hours, the decision drew fierce public backlash, with many South Africans questioning whether someone with a criminal record should be fielded for one of Gauteng's most important municipalities.

Afrika Mayibuye defends the decision

The party moved quickly to address the criticism. National spokesperson Sidney Baloyi said the choice was grounded in a deliberate philosophy.

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"As an organisation, in fielding Themba Nzimande, we heavily leaned on the philosophy of restorative justice. We also looked at the human capacity for transformation," Baloyi said, according to SABC News.

He also pushed back on the idea that Nzimande's past disqualifies him, saying the candidate has never tried to hide what he did.

"Themba doesn't assume this role, claiming to have a flawless past. His past is exactly that; it is in the past — and he has owned up to it", Baloyi said.

The organisation further said Nzimande has boldly faced his past, dealt with the circumstances associated with his actions — and is now a changed character.

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Mzansi reacts online

The announcement stirred strong opinions across social media, with many users questioning the party's judgement:

@bonsai56514395 wrote:

"The bar is not low. It is on a sea floor"

@PhiwoMnyandu said:

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"South Africa is a land of possibilities. You just never know. As long as he puts South Africans first, I suppose. 🤷"

@Brian38044563 reacted:

"Yah neh. These politicians no longer take us seriously..."

@muanewa asked:

"Why is Ekurhuleni an easy municipality for criminals 😃. Why would someone in their right mind vote for an ex-con"

@VEEWHY_ questioned:

"What's the fascination with ex-convicts in SA politics?"

The Afrika Mayibuye Movement is a relatively new force in South African politics, and the Ekurhuleni mayoral race will be a test of whether its message of second chances resonates with voters or costs the party its credibility before it has truly found its footing.

Shivambu says Afrika Mayibuye will lead SA

Previously, Briefly News reported that the Afrika Mayibuye Movement held its inaugural national convention from 5 to 7 December 2025 in Soweto, where around 2,000 delegates gathered to pledge their support ahead of the 2026 local elections. Duri ghis addressthe party’s president, Floyd Shivambu, said that the movement will lead South Africa. convention aimed to outline the organisation’s policy positions and affirm its current leadership.

Source: Briefly News