Johannesburg – Shangaan Disco King Penny Penny has danced his way into a new party after quitting the uMkhonto WeSizwe Party (MKP).
The musician, politician, and cultural icon, whose real name is Eric Kulani Giyani Nkovani, has joined Floyd Shivambu’s Afrika Mayibuye Movement.
Shivambu, the former founding deputy president of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and ex-secretary general of MKP, on Wednesday, 20 May 2026, unveiled Penny Penny, a new member of the Afrika Mayibuye Movement.
Penny Penny, the former uMkhonto WeSizwe Party MP, has been deployed to lead the Afrika Mayibuye Movement’s campaign in his hometown of Giyani, in Limpopo.
The 64-year-old musician, who has maintained his unique hairstyle over the years, stood next to his new leader in Johannesburg, where his new political status was made public.
Shivambu described “Penny Penny” as an experienced politician and former councillor in the Giyani area.
“We are pleased to announce that we have accepted the membership of Eric Kulani Nkovani, known as Penny Penny or Papa Penny, after he officially joined the Afrika Mayibuye Movement,” announced Shivambu.
“Papa Penny is going to play an important role in the leadership of the Afrika Mayibuye Movement.
“He is going to lead our campaign in the Greater Giyani Local Municipality and all the areas he is able to reach out to.
“We welcome Papa Penny into the Afrika Mayibuye Movement.”
Accepting his new responsibility, Penny Penny said: “Thank you so much, my president, Floyd Nyiko Shivambu of the Afrika Mayibuye Movement.
“I’m Eric Kulani Nkovani, who has today joined the Afrika Mayibuye Movement.
“Last week, when I tendered my resignation [from MKP], a lot of people asked me about where I’m going.
“I told them I’m going home. Afrika Mayibuye Movement is my home.
