President of Action Alliance Development Party (AADP), Benny Mayengani.
The sheen of the ‘Rainbow Nation’ seems to be fading under the cloud of various challenges for the citizens of Mopani region and other parts of South Africa, but the upcoming elections are a chance to restore hope, bridge divides and embark on a path of sustainable development that benefits all.
As South Africa marks 30 years of democracy, it stands at a crucial juncture, reflecting on its journey of liberation, challenges and the path ahead.
The dawn of democracy in 1994 was a beacon of hope, not only for South Africans but for the world, showcasing the power of resilience, forgiveness and unity.
This will definitely be a watershed moment that could change the course of national politics.
Like in most corners of the country, in the impoverished communities of Mopani, where water provision and other basic services are scarce, this election is a critical moment.
With so many parties set to contest the elections, the multitudes in Mopani see their son of the soil as the messiah who will take them to the Promised Land.
Renowned Xitsonga musician Benny Mayengani has promised through his political party, Action Alliance Development Party (AADP) to deliver them to the envisaged world where service delivery is guaranteed.
Mayengani’s party has been registered with the Electoral Commission of SA (IEC).
The AADP was official launch would be held on 5 August last year in Giyani.
Following the launch of his party in a low key ceremony, Mayengani announced that he intends to contest the 2024 elections in four provinces: Limpopo, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and North-West.
With its strong base in Limpopo, Mayengani said he would be pleased to see the party entrenching itself in student politics at tertiary institutions of University of Limpopo, University of Vend Vaal University of Technology and Tshwane University of Technology.
While the elections will require much-needed funding during its campaign trail, Mayengani said the party will not face monetary challenges.
With so many service delivery predicaments in Mopani, Mayengani said the party will channel its focus on the provision of water in particular.
“The AADP will focus more on service delivery and creation of long-term job opportunities. For far too long, our people have been living in abject poverty and this has to stop. We have capable youth who are armed with academic qualifications but are loitering the streets. Some of them have lost hope but we intend to restore their dignity” he said.
The 45-year-old musician is not a novelty act in the cutthroat world of politics.
He previously held a position within the Johannesburg Chamber as the PR Councilor of the City of Johannesburg and now he is set to embark on a new chapter in his political career.
Initially affiliated with the EFF when he assumed his role in 2016, Mayengani made the decision to resign from his position as the PR Councilor of EFF in October 2019.
Subsequently, in February 2020, he officially joined the African National Congress (ANC), aligning himself with the country’s ruling party.
Despite his foray into politics, Mayengani’s musical journey remains an integral part of his life.
To allay fears that his musical career could thwart his commitment to delivering services to the people, Hlayisani Nkhwaxu, the national spokesperson for AADP, reassured the public that Mayengani’s ambitions would not hinder his political mandate and music career.
Mayengani intends to continue releasing albums and performing at various events, gigs, and festivals as he has always done.
“South Africa is a democratic country and president Mayengani felt it necessary to form his party since he was previously associated with other political parties as a member and a councillor, and he wants to service people of South Africa. The formation of his party will never affect his music career, he will continue with his music career, releasing his albums as usual and pledged not to mention his party or neither wear his party regalia during his performances when booked for events, gigs and festivals,” said Nkhwaxu.
Mayengani is a reckonable force in his Xitsonga music and is proud of his genealogy.
He is celebrated largely in his home region of Mopani with chartbusting song he co-produced with legendary producers such as Jambatani, Prince Ranghani, Joe Shirimani, and Limpopo Poison.
In 2011, Mayengani made a ground breaking act by releasing his debut album, Tiba Ben, which endeared him to the legion of devotees who worship at the altar of Xitsonga music.
Through his creativity, Mayengani was thrice nominated for Best Xitsonga Male Artist, Best Xitsonga Popular Song of the Year, and Best Xitsonga Album of the Year during the Xitsonga Music Awards in 2013.
It was in 2019 when is 10th album, Ni Happy was nominated at the Limpopo Music Awards for Best Male Artist.
With his music on an upward trajectory, his fans danced with jubilation to the tunes of Jeso, Vamatiko, N’wa Swigalani among others.
Benny Mayengani with some members of the AADP.
AADP leader, Benny Mayengani.