At first, Benny Mayengane was a staunch supporter of the ANC, then crossed floors to join the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) as a PR councillor in the City of Joburg in 2016. In 2020, he announced that he had returned like the "long lost sheep" to the ANC after four years.

HIS POLITICAL PARTY

Benny has since started his own political party, Action Alliance Development Party (AADP). The Xitsonga musician is glad his new party, which was formed a year ago, will be contesting in the May 2029 elections. He says his party is all about standing against injustices and eradicating poverty, and unemployment. "I have been part of many political parties and saw where they failed, and this is why I started my own,". He tells ZiMoja that making it onto the ballot papers is a big deal. "We worked hard to be on that ballot, there are people who believe in our vision and that we can make a change. We want to rectify the wrongs from service delivery, crime to empowering our people." he adds.

GRADUATING

He recently graduated with his honours degree in public management in governance from the University of Johannesburg. This is his second degree. His first was a BA in public management and governance at the University of Joburg. "It was not easy. I had to be disciplined and be a good example as a leader." He believes everyone deserves an education. "Everyone deserves a chance to learn. Our political party promotes education and I want to be an example that it is never too late to get an education. I want our people to get a chance to learn so we can eradicate poverty."