By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former Midvaal mayor, Bongani Baloyi, has announced the formation of his new political party named Xiluva.
Baloyi announced the formation of his new political party at a press briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday.
This follows his resignation as ActionSA’s Gauteng provincial leader almost three weeks ago.
Baloyi cited “irreconcilable differences” between him and ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba over the running of the party’s Gauteng structures and a difference of opinion about policy issues as the reasons for his resignation.
In January last year, Baloyi joined ActionSA after terminating his membership as a member of the DA in December 2021.
Baloyi said the party aimed to disrupt and change the narrative surrounding the youth by forcibly inserting themselves at the negotiation table.
The party will register with the Electoral Commission of South Africa on 3 April.
Baloyi said that his party would create opportunities for young people to lead the country, citing that it was time for post ANC-dominance.
“Xiluva was born out of the sense of political hopelessness, homelessness and desperation. Xiluva is founded on the values of family, ubuntu, community and most importantly, multiracialism. This is a fundamental departure from the status quo of the body politics of our country.”
“Xiluva will contest the 2024 national and provincial government elections. Over the next few months we will be working to grow Xiluva and define its policies that reflect who we are.
Baloyi also announced former ActionSA Ekurhuleni leader Tlhogi Moseki would be the party’s chairperson. Until Wednesday, Moseki, who joined ActionSA in 2020, was a councillor in the Ekurhuleni Municipality.