Boy Mamabolo Insists on Using Mandela in Name of Political Party Despite IEC Rejection, SA Amused
- Boy Mamabolo has had his application to start a new political party rejected by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC)
- The IEC was concerned by the proposed colours for the party, as well as the name, 'Mandela for President
- South Africans shared their thoughts on Mamabolo's plans to use the Mandela name for his political movement
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG - Boy Mamabolo is not giving up in his quest to register his new political party, ‘Mandela for President.'
The former Member of Parliament (MP) of the African National Congress (ANC) has had his attempts to register the party rejected by the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC). The IEC said that the party did not provide the minimum number of valid signatures required for registration, nor did it meet the threshold for the number of registered voters.
The IEC also raised concerns that the party name and green and gold colours could bring about potential voter deception, but Mamabolo disagreed. While he stated that they would go back to the drawing board and amend some things to meet the IEC’s criteria, he remained defiant about the name.
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
What did Mamabolo say?
In an interview with Sunday World, Mamabolo maintained that there was nothing wrong with using the iconic Mandela name, saying that many businesses did so. He also said that he would not bow to the ANC’s ‘selfish demands’ by refraining from using the name.
The ANC and the Mandela Foundation complained to the IEC, objecting to the use of Mandela’s name for the party.
“I don’t see anything wrong with using the iconic Mandela name for our political party. After all, there are so many local businesses using the same name from all corners of this country,” he said.
“The name change is not anywhere near discussion because we are not going to change that. We will justify our decision about the name,” he added.
Mamabolo added that they would resubmit documents to the IEC on Friday, 1 August.
Source: Getty Images
Why is the ANC unhappy with Mamabolo?
The ANC’s unhappiness with Mamabolo doesn’t stem from his plans for a new party alone. In April 2025, he was suspended from the party after he insulted fellow members in several social media posts. Not only did he mock the passing of former Limpopo ANC Youth League member, Matthews Malebana, but he also accused one member of sleeping around to advance within the party.
The ANC said that his public remarks brought the organisation into disrepute. He currently has a pending disciplinary hearing against him. Mamabolo has also taken the ANC to court, as he accused the party of unfairly removing him from the candidate list in 2021. He also announced his intention to run for the Deputy President post in 2021.
How did South Africans react?
Social media users were amused by Mamabolo’s plans, sharing funny reactions to his decision to use Mandela’s name for his new party.
Matthews Maphalala said:
“🤣 Take him to Weskoppies.”
Thabo Mashiyane agreed:
“A mandatory psychiatric test is obviously a requisite here.”
Mulamavu Ishe Khoro noted:
“We were told that this guy is Malema's match. Sies!”
Mandla Madonsela defended him:
“Mandela is a surname, so there’s nothing wrong there. This guy is somehow smart. We already know his intentions. It's a deliberate move to get attention.”
Sandiso Sorgo Tafeni joked:
“He should try ‘Our Perfect Wedding People's Movement’ 🤣.”
Wilson Khosa said:
“This guy is now crazy. He must continue making content, cooking skop and pap with some kasi chakalaka.”
Eric Dlamini added:
“This man is so desperate to see himself in Parliament. Imagine voting for the clueless man, who just wants to go to the National Assembly.”
Mpho Raphulu stated:
“This is not Our Perfect Wedding. He must join other small parties.”
Mamabolo demands R6 million from ANC
Briefly News reported that Mamabolo was demanding millions from the ANC after he was removed as a Member of Parliament.
Mamabolo took the ANC to court, demanding R6 million from the party for what he would have earned in five years as an MP.
South Africans shared their thoughts on the matter, doubting that he had a good chance of winning the case.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Source: Briefly News
