In what could be described as a dramatic exit and hopping from one political party to another, a former DA member of parliament has jumped ship from Build a Better South Africa (BABSA) political party.
This follows tensions that Tsepo Mhlongo had with BABSA founder and former boxing world champ Lovemore “Black Panther” Ndou.
Leaving after four months
Mhlongo joined Ndou’s political party in February. However, in just four months at the helm as BABSA deputy president, the former ActionSA member left the organisation in a huff.
Claims surfaced that Mhlongo had differences with Ndou and other senior party leaders over the direction the party was taking.
Other allegations were that the former DA shadow Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture allegedly stole money. the money was meant for party activations and campaigns.
“Tsepo was given money by Lovemore to buy a new shack for one family in Orlando East. The family’s shack was gutted by fire. He was given more than R8, 330 to buy a new shack. But he came back with old and rusty corrugated iron sheets to build a shack. He also stole money from the party as he was selling T-shirts of R40 for R100 to the party members,” said a party insider.
Another source said that Mhlongo also had an argument with Ndou over how the latter had dissolved branches in Gauteng.
Argued with party boss Ndou
“Mhlongo accused Ndou of interference and not knowing what he was doing as he dissolved branches. After Mhlongo had issues with Ndou, he started removing party senior leaders from WhatsApp groups. Even Ndou was removed by him. Remember that Ndou is based in Australia, and he did not have control of the party. So Mhlongo was in charge of everything, and he would do as he likes,” said a senior member.
Other claims were that Mhlongo had given his alleged girlfriend known by this publication, party projects. These include catering and procurement of T-shirts.
The first source also claimed that Ndou had allegedly fixed Mhlongo’s Toyota Fortuner. This was allegedly after the car had been involved in an accident. However, Mhlongo refuted claims, saying that he fixed his car with his own money.
Denies allegations of theft
“It’s a lie that Ndou gave me money to fix my car. Another lie that they are peddling is that I was stealing money from the party. I never had access to any funds of the party. Ndou was sending money to the treasurer of BABSA, who is based in Limpopo. So they must not come here and lie, claiming that I stole money from that organisation.
“I know who told you all this nonsense, and that person is a spy of Ndou. She wants a position of a deputy president. I left BABSA, and I have moved on. They must not come up with fictitious stories of non-existent girlfriends that they claim I gave tenders and stolen money crap. I have been in politics for many years to be subjected to such nonsense. And I don’t know what they want to achieve by peddling such lies,” said the angry Mhlongo.
In his resignation letter, Mhlongo said: “I have officially resigned from BABSA. I’ve also stepped away from any structures or individuals attempting to micromanage or interfere in our work and growth. Though this may come across as sudden, this decision is the result of a number of ongoing issues that have become increasingly difficult to ignore.
“The current President of BABSA, Mr Lovemore [Ndou], has consistently failed to treat me as an equal or a team member. Leadership requires humility, collaboration, and fairness.
Blames Ndou, joins BOSA
“Sadly, these principles have been missing. Instead of addressing matters within leadership structures, Mr Lovemore engages in gossip. And [he] makes decisions without consultation. This includes… the abrupt dissolution of a growing and promising Johannesburg team without informing or involving me.”
Mhlongo also said when he sought clarity from Ndou, he was accused of working against the BABSA presiden. An allegation Mhlongo found to be deeply disrespectful and damaging.
“Despite efforts on my part to resolve these matters through discussion, I was told that ‘he doesn’t report to me’. This closed the door on dialogue and mutual respect. I am moving forward with others who believe in open, honest leadership. Who share a genuine vision for building this country,” said Mhlongo.
Mlhongo said that he was now going to join Mmusi Maimane’s party, Build One South Africa (BOSA).
Sunday World sent questions to Ndou on the matter.
Ndou refutes allegations
“I refuse to be drawn into the politics of character assassination as I don’t need it to remain relevant. I’m more interested in building a better South Africa for all,” he said.
“A South Africa where the future of our children is guaranteed. It seems character assassination is a new trend now for failed South African politicians to remain relevant. I don’t need it. I didn’t become successful in life by wasting my energy on useless things or people. And I can, however, confirm that Mhlongo is no longer part of BABSA. I have nothing bad to say about him but wish him well in his future endeavours,” said Ndou.
When he left ActionSA after a few months of joining the party, Mhlongo accused Herman Mashaba of financially exploiting him.
In 2023, after being expelled from the DA, Mhlongo claimed that the party lacked diversity. He stated that Black leaders were being purged.
