IEC Rejects Registration of Boy Mamabolo’s “Mandela for President” Party

Former ANC MP's bid to launch a breakaway party blocked over legal discrepancies and concerns about misleading voters

Boy Mamabolo pictured during a parliamentary session in Cape Town. The former ANC MP’s attempt to register a new political party, “Mandela for President,” has been denied by the IEC due to compliance failures and branding concerns.

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has officially rejected the registration of the new political party, “Mandela for President,” founded by former African National Congress (ANC) Member of Parliament, Boy Mamabolo.

The IEC clarifies that the party "Mandela for President" applied for registration, but was rejected for non-compliance with signature requirements and the threshold of required registered voters. Furthermore, the name "Mandela for President" with associated green and black…

— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) July 28, 2025

Party Rejected Over Legal and Ethical Concerns

According to the IEC, the proposed party failed to meet several key registration requirements, leading to the rejection:

• Insufficient Signatures: The party did not provide the minimum number of valid voter signatures needed for registration, falling short of the legal threshold required by the Electoral Act.

• Misleading Branding: The use of the name “Mandela for President”, along with green and black colors reminiscent of the ANC, raised serious concerns. The IEC found that this could mislead voters into thinking the party is endorsed by or affiliated with the legacy of Nelson Mandela or the ANC itself.

• Inconsistent Documentation: The party’s constitution listed the founding member as Mandela Jacob Boy Mamabolo, a name variation not consistent with his official IEC registration, which simply states Jacob Boy Mamabolo. This discrepancy raised concerns over possible misrepresentation.

Political Backdrop and Mamabolo’s ANC Fallout

Mamabolo’s attempt to form a new party follows a turbulent period in his political career. A once-prominent figure in Limpopo’s ANC structures, he was suspended in early 2025 for making derogatory remarks about fellow ANC members on social media, including Onica Moloi and Matthews Malebana. The ANC initiated disciplinary proceedings against him, which Mamabolo has challenged as unconstitutional and politically motivated.

Prior to that, Mamabolo unsuccessfully took legal action against the ANC after his position on the party’s national list was demoted ahead of the 2024 general elections. He claimed the manipulation was unlawful, but the courts ruled the matter lacked urgency.

What’s Next for “Mandela for President”?

With the IEC’s decision, “Mandela for President” remains an unregistered political entity and will not be permitted to participate in any upcoming elections. For the party to gain legal standing, Mamabolo would need to:

• Submit sufficient valid signatures from registered voters.

• Revise the party name and branding to avoid misleading associations.

• Clarify and align identity documentation in line with IEC registration records.

IEC Stands Firm

The IEC emphasized its commitment to maintaining electoral integrity, stating that no political party new or established will be permitted to bypass the rules or exploit the memory of revered national figures for political gain.