Gayton McKenzie
The Patriotic Alliance has decided to stay in South Africa’s Government of National Unity after positive talks with the African National Congress. Deputy President Kenny Kunene shared this update after a key meeting in Johannesburg, putting an end to recent threats of withdrawal. This comes after tensions over local government positions, especially in the City of Johannesburg, where the PA pushed for the return of Kunene as a member of the mayoral committee. With common ground found, the party looks set to keep its role in national and local coalitions, boosting stability in the GNU.
Positive Outcome from ANC-PA Meeting
Kenny Kunene led a Patriotic Alliance delegation in a meeting with ANC leaders on Tuesday evening, 30 September 2025. The talks, held in Johannesburg, went better than expected and expanded beyond the initial focus on the City of Johannesburg. Kunene explained that the agenda grew to cover areas like Ekurhuleni, Emfuleni, and the West Rand. “We had a discussion the ANC came with the proposals some proposals and uh we also had our own proposals and our own inputs,” he said during a live update to supporters.
The PA team included top members like the national chairperson, spokesperson, treasurer general, and head of marketing. On the ANC side, key figures such as the co-convenor, coordinator of the provincial task team Hope Papu, and Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero joined the discussions. Kunene noted that the meeting was fruitful, with both sides happy about the progress. “The meeting went very well. Uh we are very very excited. We are very happy,” he added.
A follow-up meeting is planned before Friday to finalise details. The PA will first consult its full national executive committee, as the delegation needs broader input on the ANC’s proposals. Party President Gayton McKenzie, who is currently in Spain for G20 ministerial meetings, was briefed and expressed satisfaction with the outcome. This has effectively ended speculation about McKenzie’s resignation or the PA leaving coalitions.
Background to the Tensions
The recent drama started when McKenzie announced the PA’s intention to pull out of the GNU and Johannesburg coalition last week. The main issue was the removal of Kenny Kunene from his position as MMC for Transport in Johannesburg. Kunene had been sworn in as a councillor but was not reappointed to the mayoral committee by Mayor Dada Morero. McKenzie gave an ultimatum: reinstate Kunene or face the PA’s exit from all ANC-led coalitions, including the national GNU.
McKenzie accused the ANC of undermining the PA at local level, saying it had “pushed us too far.” He even hinted at forming new alliances, possibly with the Democratic Alliance, if demands were not met. “Return Kenny Kunene to his position of MMC responsible for transport in the City of Johannesburg, or I resign on Tuesday,” McKenzie stated firmly. This threat came amid broader frustrations over how coalition deals were handled in Gauteng metros.
The PA’s strong showing in the 2024 elections, where it won nine seats in Parliament and grew its support in coloured communities, gave it leverage in the GNU. McKenzie’s appointment as Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture was a key gain, but local squabbles threatened to undo that. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula called for political maturity, describing the PA as a “loyal and important partner” and committing to talks to resolve the matter.
Expanded Discussions and Future Plans
During the meeting, the PA took the chance to raise more issues. Kunene mentioned that while they came prepared for one topic, they added others, giving both sides “homework” to do. “We took advantage of this opportunity that we had to meet with the leadership of the African National Congress and we then added things to the agenda which they were quite receptive to entertain,” the national chairperson noted.
This included talks on positions in Ekurhuleni, where PA leader Dino was eyed for an MMC role, as well as Emfuleni and West Rand. The ANC’s proposals made sense to the PA, leading to excitement about potential agreements. Kunene stressed that the party had highlighted its dissatisfactions but found common ground, putting threats aside.
The PA plans a virtual NEC meeting to discuss everything, working around McKenzie’s schedule as he travels to another country after Spain. Once ready, they will reconvene with the ANC, likely by Thursday, to seal the deal. Kunene assured supporters that the ANC is flexible on timing. .
Implications for the GNU and PA’s Growth
This resolution is a relief for the GNU, which formed after no party won a majority in the 2024 national elections. The PA’s nine MPs and growing local presence make it a valuable partner, especially in Gauteng. Pulling out could have destabilised coalitions in key metros and affected national stability.
Critics have called the PA’s threats immature, suggesting they show a lack of humility in demanding positions. However, supporters see it as standing up for fair deals. Kunene ended his update by motivating members to focus on growth: “Winners focus on victory. Losers focus on winners.” He highlighted the PA as the fastest-growing party, urging work in communities and by-elections.
Kunene’s reinstatement seems likely, with reports indicating he could return as Johannesburg’s transport boss. This follows his clearance in a unrelated murder probe earlier this year, paving the way for his councillor role. For McKenzie, staying in Cabinet means continuing his work on sports and culture, including high-profile initiatives like anti-drug campaigns and support for artists.
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