The Afrika Mayibuye Movement mayoral candidate for the City of Ekurhuleni, Themba “Skeem GP” Nzimande, has apologised after his recent Newzroom Afrika interview sparked questions about his readiness to lead the metro.
Nzimande said he had been unable to fully explain the movement’s programmes during the interview, which he blamed on the “interrogative manner” of the questioning and the limited time allocated to him.
Nzimande came under scrutiny during the interview after he faced questions about how he would run Ekurhuleni if elected mayor.
Following the interview, he said he wanted to clarify the programmes the movement intends to pursue and stressed that his candidacy was a collective responsibility.
“This candidature, it is not a personal project, nor does it belong to any individual. It is a collective responsibility entrusted to me by the movement and the people.”
Nzimande said the movement’s immediate priorities for Ekurhuleni included job creation, housing, water and service delivery, and addressing crime.
Nzimande apologises
Afrika Mayibuye was a people’s movement formed through consultation with workers, unemployed people, young people, traditional leaders, religious leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs and communities across South Africa, he said, adding that residents were central to the movement and its plans.
“The people are not spectators in Mayibuye. They are founders of Mayibuye. They are the heartbeat, in fact, of Afrika Mayibuye. They are the compass and the ultimate authority. Everything begins with the people,” he said.
Nzimande also apologised to those who had been concerned by the impression created during the interview.
“In humility, I sincerely apologise to everyone who may have been concerned and worried by any impression created during this interview. I accept the responsibility to communicate our collective programmes more clearly and consistently,” he said.
There should be no uncertainty about the movement’s position, Nzimande said, describing Afrika Mayibuye as united and disciplined.
“We know our mission, we understand our responsibilities, and together with the people, we will achieve our objectives.”
Nzimande said the movement would hold its manifesto launch in Tembisa on September 19.
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