Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
03 April 2023 | 14:41 CAT

Photo Credit: Twitter

He was one of the country’s youngest mayors; under his leadership, Midvaal in Gauteng performed outstandingly. Then Bongani Baloyi left the DA and joined ActionSA, becoming the party’s Gauteng chairperson. But he parted ways with ActionSA and announced his plans to launch his political party, Xilluva.

Baloyi announced the formation of his new political party at a press briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday and says his new party will contest the national elections in 2024.

Baloyi spoke to Radio Islam International about what led to the party’s formation and its values. He also highlighted the decision to path ways with ActionSA.

An indigenous Xitsonga name, Xiluva, means flower. In this case, it refers to the protea, which is seen on the party’s logo and was chosen, according to Baloyi, because of the flower’s resilience.

Baloyi said his departure from ActionSA confirmed the need for the youth to be included in the political sphere, adding young people were often overlooked and considered spectators in politics.

He cited trust issues between him and ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba as his reason for leaving the party.

The party, which Baloyi said was an alternative political vehicle, will target people aged 18 to 45. He added it was born out of a sense of hopelessness and desperation based on the “home-grown ideology” known as Ubuntu and multiracialism consisting of young, capable, and competent leaders.

Listen to the full interview on Radio Islam’s podcast.