LISTEN: Former Midvaal mayor Bongani Baloyi quits DA

Baloyi announced the news on Monday morning.

He confirmed to Jacaranda FM News that the move comes amid lengthy consultations with family on his future. 

He denied there’s any bad blood between him and party leadership, adding he is moving on from politics on his own accord.  

“I think I’ve achieved everything I set out to achieve and it’s the next stage of my life now. 

“It’s time to leave on a clean slate. There’s no issues that I have with any DA leader, there’s nothing that is pushing me out - it’s just that as an individual feeling that I’ve achieved what I wanted to accomplish and now it’s time to pursue other opportunities.”

Baloyi’s resignation comes as a shock to the political circles, especially after the DA revealed he would be party’s premier candidate in Gauteng in 2024.  

“It’s true that the leadership of the party was very keen to retain me in the Democratic Alliance, which is basically testament to the value that one has contributed and the reputation that one has amassed through the delivery and by also leading a clean and efficient government over the years,” he said.  

“But when I considered my own personal goal, my own personal aspirations and how best I want to contribute in terms of how to move the country forward and also what to do with my life next, it’s me and not anyone else who decided that it’s time to go now.” 

The 34-year-old remains tight-lipped about his prospects.  

“Anything is possible in South Africa but I will disclose in February,” he added.  

In 2013,  Baloyi made history when he became executive mayor of Midvaal Local Municipality, marking him as the youngest mayor in the country at the time. 

During his run as the first citizen, Midvaal received six consecutive clean audits. 

Baloyi’s stellar record has also been used an example of good and effective governance in a country where municipalities are fraught with corruption and poor service delivery. 

Listen to Baloyi below:

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