By Johnathan Paoli
The Mayibuye Consultation Process (MCP) has welcomed the appointment of Sidney Baloyi and Hlumelo Biko as its official spokespersons, claiming it has marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of the growing political movement.
MCP national convenor Nyiko Floyd Shivambu praised the pair’s credentials and affirmed their full participation rights in the national officials structure of the consultation process in an effort to strengthen the initiative’s public engagement and ensure that its transformative message resonated with communities across South Africa.
“Their wealth of experience and dedication to transformative communication will amplify our mission to engage meaningfully with South Africans and stakeholders,” Shivambu said.
The announcement follows a successful national consultation team (NCT) meeting held on 5 and 6 July 2025, which laid the groundwork for deepened national dialogue and political intervention.
Sidney Baloyi, a respected veteran in the media industry, brings over three decades of experience as a radio broadcaster and communications strategist.
Having worked extensively in both state and community radio, Baloyi has mentored young communicators, championed grassroots participation, and maintained a consistent focus on public interest broadcasting.
The national convenor stated that his experience would prove vital in ensuring Mayibuye’s communications reflected the lived realities of ordinary South Africans.
Hlumelo Biko, son of the iconic liberation hero Steve Biko, brings a different but equally powerful dimension to the role.
A graduate of the University of Cape Town, Biko holds a degree in Politics and History and later pursued graduate studies at the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in the United States of America.
With 26 years of experience as a business leader and investor in small and medium enterprises, Biko has also authored four books that explore themes of identity, economic justice and African renaissance.
Shivambu said his voice adds intellectual weight and strategic foresight to the MCP’s political vision, particularly in articulating pathways toward inclusive economic reform and social renewal.
The MCP confirmed that both spokespeople would represent the organisation publicly and participate fully in its decision-making structures.
The National Consultation Team has resolved that Baloyi and Biko will be key figures in shaping and conveying the MCP’s collective political positions on pressing national and global issues.
A more detailed set of resolutions and policy perspectives emerging from the NCT meeting is expected to be made public on Tuesday, including strategic reflections from both the spokespersons and national officials on matters ranging from political accountability to economic transformation.
“Our vision is to create a South Africa where every citizen’s voice is heard, where opportunities are equitable and where governance serves the people, not the elite,” Shivambu said.
Since its launch, Mayibuye has embarked on nationwide consultations aimed at drawing in workers, youth, civil society leaders and ordinary citizens.
Shivambu emphasised that the Mayibuye Consultation Process was “not just a process, but a call to action,” appealing to citizens to rise to the occasion and help construct a future of justice, unity and shared prosperity.
The MCP has called on all South Africans to contribute actively to the consultations, noting that their ideas, energy, and commitment were essential to building a credible, transformative alternative in the political landscape.
INSIDE POLITICS