Kenny Kunene
By Thabo Mosia
Johannesburg – Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy president Kenny Kunene has been officially reinstated as the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport in the City of Johannesburg. A letter dated 3 October 2025 from Executive Mayor Cllr Sello Morero confirmed the appointment, marking the end of a heated dispute that nearly derailed key coalitions. This move comes after intense negotiations between the PA and the African National Congress (ANC), where PA leader Gayton McKenzie threatened to pull out of the Government of National Unity (GNU) if Kunene was not brought back.
The reinstatement highlights the fragile nature of South Africa’s coalition politics, especially in major cities like Johannesburg, where partnerships are key to governance. Kunene, a controversial figure known for his outspoken style, now returns to oversee one of the city’s most critical departments amid ongoing challenges like road repairs and public transport upgrades.
The Raid That Sparked the Crisis
The drama began in July 2025 when Kunene was found at the Sandton home of Katiso “KT” Molefe, a businessman accused of masterminding a gruesome murder and links to a criminal syndicate. Hawks officers raided the property, arresting Molefe on charges related to the killing of DJ Vettys, whose body was discovered in Limpopo with multiple gunshot wounds. Kunene, who was not arrested, claimed he was there accompanying a journalist for an interview, but the incident raised questions about his associations.
Facing backlash, the PA suspended Kunene as deputy president and he resigned as MMC and councillor on 25 July 2025. The party launched an internal probe, hiring law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr to investigate. By September 2025, the report cleared him of any wrongdoing, stating there was no evidence of criminal ties. Kunene was re-sworn in as a councillor on 26 September 2025, paving the way for his full return.
PA’s Ultimatum and Tense Talks
Unhappy with the delay in reinstating Kunene to the MMC role, PA leader and Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie issued a public ultimatum on social media. He demanded Kunene’s return by 30 September 2025, warning that failure would lead to the PA exiting all coalitions with the ANC, including the GNU. McKenzie stated: “They have pushed us too far, patriots. You can’t dine at the table when disrespect is on the menu; we opt to leave rather. Ons baiz nie.”
The threat put pressure on the ANC, which leads a government of local unity in Johannesburg involving the PA, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and smaller parties. High-level meetings followed, including a late-night session between ANC and PA leaders. ANC Gauteng spokesperson Mzi Khumalo dismissed the ultimatum, saying: “We don’t work with ultimatums. It was never our problem; it is them who removed Kenny; it is them who is bringing Kenny back.” He added that disputes should be handled through consultation, not threats.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula urged maturity, noting: “Parties in the GNU must understand that whenever we are faced with difficulties and challenges and dissatisfaction, we cannot always threaten to go away.” Sources indicate President Cyril Ramaphosa intervened to stabilise the coalitions, recognising the risk to national unity.
The Resolution and Official Appointment
By 2 October 2025, a deal was struck, with the ANC agreeing to reinstate Kunene. McKenzie confirmed the resolution on X, posting: “I wanna thank the @MYANC in the manner in which we sorted out our disagreement regarding the @Kenny_T_Kunene matter. Most importantly I wanna thank @OnsBaizaNie for trusting us as leadership. Let’s work 💚🤛” @OnsBaizaNie refers to ANC Gauteng chairperson Panyaza Lesufi, who played a key role in the talks.
Mayor Morero’s letter, addressed to Councillor Kenny Kunene, states: “I am pleased to inform you of your appointment as the Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport. The appointment will commence immediately. I look forward to your contributions as we work to build the Joburg We All Want.” This formalises Kunene’s return, allowing the PA to remain in the GNU and local partnerships.
Why Transport Matters: A ‘Wet Portfolio’ with Big Stakes
The transport portfolio is seen as a prime spot due to its large budget and opportunities for projects like road maintenance and bus procurements. Just before his resignation, Kunene approved a tender for new Volvo buses for the metro, which some critics link to the push for his return. The department is set for major funding this year, including upgrades to the Johannesburg Roads Agency, to fix potholes and prepare for the G20 summit in November 2025.
Kunene, who is the PA’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg in 2026, aims to use the role to showcase improvements in roads and transport. However, Mayor Morero had earlier proposed rotating MMC positions to avoid any party claiming ownership and to boost performance. There were plans to give the post to EFF councillor Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, but the deal kept it with the PA.
