Johannesburg – Afrika Mayibuye Movement’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Themba “Skeem GP” Nzimande has defended his ability to lead the metro after facing tough questions about his experience and ability to govern.
Nzimande was challenged during a Newzroom Afrika interview over whether his background in media, podcasting and community work had prepared him to run a metropolitan municipality facing financial, governance and service delivery challenges.
“I am willing to work, I am willing to learn,” Nzimande said.
He rejected the suggestion that his media career was his main qualification, pointing instead to his community work and leadership experience.
“The City of Ekurhuleni is not a podcast,” he said.
Nzimande said he would rely on experienced advisers and the party’s leadership if elected.
“I have my own people that I am working with. I have an army of people,” he said.
SkeemGP defends his ability to lead Ekurhuleni: pic.twitter.com/rzYW37LNIm
— YaseBlock B 🇸🇿 (@ThisIsColbert) September 8, 2026
He also rejected the suggestion that he should step aside for a more experienced candidate if Afrika Mayibuye wins control of the metro.
“I will not usher the people into this governance whilst I’m going to take a rain check,” he said.
Nzimande argued that his years of working in communities had given him an understanding of the problems facing Ekurhuleni residents.
“There is no school I’ve never been into in Ekurhuleni,” he said, pointing to work involving drugs, gangsterism, bullying, teenage pregnancy and gender-based violence.
“When you’re talking about gender-based violence, I’m a GBV champion,” he added.
Nzimande was announced as Afrika Mayibuye’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate by party leader Floyd Shivambu on 5 September, ahead of the 4 November local government elections. The party also named candidates for Tshwane and Emfuleni.
Afrika Mayibuye Movement’s Ekurhuleni mayoral candidate Themba “Skeem GP” Nzimande says his 20 years of community work, leadership experience and his work in the media and podcasting has given his skills needed to govern the metro.
Watch: https://t.co/C8VgB62s8p#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/gjqNenJt5P
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) September 7, 2026
His candidacy has attracted public criticism because of his past as a former cash-in-transit offender before he built a career as a broadcaster and podcaster.
Afrika Mayibuye has defended the decision, saying it was guided by restorative justice and the belief that people can change.
According to SABC News, the party’s national spokesperson, Sidney Baloyi, said the movement had considered Nzimande’s capacity for transformation when selecting him.
“As an organisation, in fielding Themba Nzimande, we heavily leaned on the philosophy of restorative justice,” Baloyi said.
Mayibuye Gauteng Mayoral Candidates thus far are:
1. General Prince Nkitsing Mokotedi – City of Tshwane.
2. City of Ekurhuleni – Themba “SKEEM-GP” Nzimande.
3. Emfuleni Local Municipality – Bishop Vincent Jones.
4. Sedibeng District Municipality — Apostle Buti Michael Nthako…— Floyd Shivambu (@FloydShivambu) September 5, 2026
“Themba doesn’t assume this role, claiming to have a flawless past. His past is exactly that; it is in the past,” he added.
Baloyi said Nzimande had confronted his past and was now a changed person.
Nzimande, meanwhile, maintains that he is ready for the challenge.
“I am here and I am willing to put my best foot forward, and I’m going to do everything what it takes,” he said.
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Picture: Facewbook/ Skeam GP
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
