ANC’s Mbalula
In a candid interview that has stirred fresh debate on the stability of South Africa’s coalitions, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has urged respect for the Patriotic Alliance’s (PA) claim to the Transport MMC position in Johannesburg. Speaking to eNCA’s Heidi Giokos on Sunday, 28 September 2025, Mbalula stressed that agreements made in the city’s coalition must be honoured to avoid unnecessary drama, especially amid threats from PA leader Gayton McKenzie to pull his party from the Government of National Unity (GNU) if deputy president Kenny Kunene is not reinstated. This comes as tensions simmer in Joburg’s mayoral committee, where Kunene’s return has become a flashpoint testing the strength of fragile partnerships formed after no clear winner in recent polls.
Mbalula’s comments highlight the delicate balance in the GNU, a multi-party setup born from the 2024 elections where the ANC fell short of a majority. He made it clear that while the PA has every right to voice grievances, threats to exit should not be the first resort, as they undermine the national spirit South Africans back. Yet, he firmly backed honouring the coalition deal that gave the PA the transport role, saying it is key for delivery and mutual respect among partners like the ANC, EFF, PA and Al Jama-ah.  As the city grapples with service woes like potholes and traffic jams, this row risks stalling progress and eroding public trust ahead of the 2026 local elections.
The interview, part of eNCA’s ongoing coverage of political shifts, also touched on Helen Zille’s DA mayoral bid, GNU expansion and AGOA renewal, but the PA standoff took centre stage. Mbalula’s stance echoes broader calls for calm, even as McKenzie’s ultimatum—set to expire on Tuesday—looms large.
Mbalula’s Take: Honour Agreements to Avoid Volatility
During the eNCA chat, Mbalula played down the PA’s threat as “unfortunate” but not a deal-breaker for the GNU. He said the ANC has not yet met directly with the PA but plans to engage, urging all parties to handle disputes maturely without always waving the exit card.  “Parties in the GNU must understand that whenever we are faced with difficulties and challenges and dissatisfaction, we cannot always threaten to go away,” he noted, adding that such moves make leaders look “childish and immature.”
On Kunene specifically, Mbalula was firm: the PA’s wish to keep the transport portfolio, as per the coalition pact, must be respected. He called it a matter of mutual honour among partners, where no one should create “volatility where it is unnecessary.” The ANC, he said, has met with its Joburg structures to sort the issue, emphasising that Johannesburg is run by a coalition, not the ANC alone.  If changes are needed, they should be talked out, not forced, to keep focus on delivery for the people.
Mbalula brushed off fears of GNU collapse if the PA walks, saying government would carry on. “It will not destabilise the GNU,” he stated, though he admitted it would be “unfortunate” given the PA’s loyal role. He pointed out that bigger issues, not just a local spat, should drive such decisions.  This measured tone aims to cool tempers, but it contrasts with McKenzie’s fiery stand, where he pledged a “mass exodus” of PA officials if Kunene is not back by Tuesday.
Kunene Saga: From Raid to Reinstatement Row
The heart of this storm is Kenny Kunene, the PA deputy leader nicknamed “Mr Sushi” for his flashy past. His troubles kicked off in July 2025 when police raided businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe’s home, arresting him over the 2022 murder of DJ Sumbody.  Kunene was there for an interview setup, but the timing sparked suspicion, leading him to step down as councillor and Transport MMC to shield the party.
An independent probe by Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr cleared him of any wrongdoing, finding his story consistent and no ties to crime.  McKenzie hailed the outcome, demanding Kunene’s return under the coalition deal that gave the PA the transport spot—a key portfolio for contracts and services in a city plagued by traffic and potholes. 
Joburg Mayor Dada Morero initially dragged his feet, offering housing instead amid EFF pushes for transport. This swap idea fuelled the fire, with McKenzie issuing a seven-day ultimatum and announcing his own Cabinet resignation in solidarity.  He slammed local “disrespect” but separated it from national GNU issues, pledging no support for ousting Ramaphosa. 
Kunene, sworn back as councillor on Friday, eyes a mayoral run in 2026, slamming Zille’s bid as an “insult” to Joburg.  His clearance and return have split opinions, with DA critics like Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku calling for probes into his past deals. 
GNU Stability Tested: No Collapse, But Ripples Ahead
Mbalula’s assurance that the GNU would survive a PA exit echoes Ramaphosa’s recent intervention, ordering Kunene’s return to calm investor fears.  The setup, with 10 parties holding 287 seats, can weather small losses, but cracks could widen if more disputes arise. 
He ruled out expanding to the EFF, saying the ANC is reconfiguring internally first.  On the “clearing house” for disputes, he admitted it needs a reset, with Deputy President Paul Mashatile still at the helm to handle daily negotiations. 
This row spotlights coalition pains in hung councils like Joburg, where no party rules alone. With 2026 looming, Mbalula said the ANC aims to rebuild trust through action plans on water, infrastructure and immigration, not “praise” for rivals like the DA. 
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