Music legend and member of kwaito group Trompies, Eugene Mthethwa, was officially sworn in as an EFF MP on Wednesday. He becomes the second musician to assume this role within the party, with Ringo Madlingozi having joined in 2019.
EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi lauded the party’s move, stating, “In time, you will give it to the EFF for taking artists seriously. Ringo and Eugene being sent to parliament as EFF MPs is the greatest affirmation of the artists’ contribution to our panoply of revolutionary policies and ideas. No other party takes art as seriously as the EFF.”
Mthethwa was sworn in at parliament alongside Mzwanele Manyi, Nqobile Mhlongo, and Mandla Shikwambana as new members of the party’s caucus.
Mthethwa expressed his commitment to advocating for the creative and cultural sector, saying, “Thank you, EFF, for restoring my dignity and confidence. I solemnly swear that I will continue to fight for the masses of our people in the creative and cultural sector. This being the month of youth, I will channel my focus on youth and women.”
In 2021, Mthethwa drew attention for chaining himself at the Southern African Music Rights Organisation (Samro) building to demand royalty payments. He alleged that the music rights organization operated in a way that “robs” artists and composers of royalties.
EFF leader Julius Malema, while alluding to changes in parliament, expressed “complete confidence” in the new members.
The EFF characterized Mthethwa as a “seasonal cultural activist,” highlighting his leadership roles, including chair of the Association of Independent Record Companies of SA and executive board member of the Music Industry Annual Conference and Exhibition. The party also noted Mthethwa’s service as a member of the SABC music industry advisory committee.
