McKenzie
In a candid briefing to Patriotic Alliance members on Monday, 29 September 2025, leader and Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie laid out his stance on a potential resignation from the Government of National Unity, tying it directly to the reinstatement of deputy president Kenny Kunene as Johannesburg’s MMC for Roads and Transport. McKenzie stressed that his decision to step down was not a sign of cracks in the GNU but a stand of solidarity with his party amid local coalition tensions. With a crucial meeting between PA and ANC leaders set for Tuesday evening, 30 September 2025, McKenzie promised transparency, vowing to update members live afterward. This comes amid reports that President Cyril Ramaphosa has intervened, ordering Kunene’s return to avert a coalition collapse, potentially keeping McKenzie in Cabinet.
McKenzie’s address highlighted ongoing frustrations with the ANC’s handling of PA representatives in Johannesburg, but he reiterated the GNU’s strength at the national level. As South Africa’s political landscape remains fragile post-2024 elections, this saga underscores the delicate balance in multi-party alliances, where local disputes can threaten national stability. With by-elections looming and public scrutiny high, a resolution could steady the ship—or lead to a dramatic PA exit. This article delves into McKenzie’s briefing details, the backstory of Kunene’s ousting and clearance, the upcoming talks, Ramaphosa’s reported role, coalition implications, and public reactions.
McKenzie’s Solidarity Stand: Resignation Tied to Party Loyalty
Addressing PA supporters, McKenzie explained his threat to resign was rooted in principle, not discord within the GNU. “Me saying I’m leaving the GNU with the government of national unity does not mean there’s something wrong with the government of national unity. Everything is tiptop there. Every minister got I might I think I can say this. Every minister got a line of march from the president. We all know what’s expected of us,” he said. He clarified that his move was about not abandoning party members facing similar dismissals: “When I said I’m leaving, it wasn’t uh loss of confidence in the GNU. It was just that I can’t expect other people to to resign and I remain.”
McKenzie recounted a series of setbacks for PA officials in various coalitions, including removals without explanation. “Clean boy was removed from a post by the DA gaba was removed from his post. T was removed from a post. Dino was removed from his uh portfolio occupied. Erroli was totally cut out,” he listed, emphasizing the ANC’s alleged undermining in Johannesburg. He tied this to Kunene’s situation, noting the ANC’s reluctance to reinstate him or appoint alternatives like Liam Jacobs: “We put in uh we put in uh little Liam for a month. We never went to the media. We never made threats for a month. They refused to appoint him.”
Reaffirming his commitment, McKenzie stated: “I rather lose the portfolio than lose the people that believe in me. I’m not here for positions. I’m here to serve, but I’m not here to serve at expense of my own people.” He ruled out joining any no-confidence motion against Ramaphosa, praising the president’s trust: “I will never join that. I will never do that. The people in the community that never had comi courts, the people that had never got singing opportunities, they got that because the president saw it good to appoint me.”
Kunene’s Saga: From Controversy to Clearance
The core issue revolves around Kunene, removed in July 2025 after being present during the arrest of businessman Katiso Molefe, linked to DJ Sumbody’s 2022 murder. An independent probe by Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr cleared him, confirming he was there for a journalistic interview. McKenzie gave the ANC a seven-day ultimatum expiring on 30 September 2025 to reinstate Kunene or face a “mass exodus” of PA officials from coalitions.
He highlighted local grievances, like water shortages in Westbury, Newclare, and Coronationville, where he personally funded tankers: “What was the last straw for me was this water issue.” McKenzie accused the ANC and EFF of colluding to block PA nominees, but noted recent outreach: “Senior ANC leaders saying minister please don’t resign. We are sorting out this issue.”
Crucial Talks: ANC-PA Meeting and Ramaphosa’s Intervention
The Tuesday meeting at 7 PM involves PA’s top brass—the national chairperson, deputy president, treasurer-general, and head of marketing—facing ANC counterparts. McKenzie promised a live update post-meeting: “Patriots, you will not go to bed without knowing what was discussed in that meeting.” He emphasized approaching with facts, not arrogance: “We are going there with our facts. The meeting is for us to find each other.”
Reports indicate Ramaphosa stepped in, directing Kunene’s reinstatement to preserve the GNU. ANC Johannesburg spokesperson Sasabona Manganye downplayed threats but confirmed talks to resolve issues. If successful, McKenzie could withdraw his resignation, keeping the PA in coalitions.
Coalition Tensions: Local Beefs Threaten National Unity
McKenzie clarified the GNU remains solid nationally: “There’s no trouble in the GNU. The GNU is solid. The GNU people are I think going through the best phase.” But local frustrations in Johannesburg, like unaddressed water issues, boiled over: “Disrespect gets served but we had Milani. No we not that type in the PA.”
He floated alternatives like partnering with the DA if talks fail: “We will form coalition with DA.” This echoes broader strains, with the PA accusing the ANC of undermining them in metros. McKenzie denied emotional decisions, framing it as leadership: “I am a leader that put my people first.”
Public and Party Reactions: Transparency and Defending Against Smears
McKenzie addressed smears, like murder allegations, promising legal action: “The lawyers got a transcript everything. There will be action on that thing on Wednesday.” He urged focus on by-elections, like Ward 29 in Sedibeng, amid attacks from rivals like ActionSA.
Social media buzzed with support, one post noting: “The ANC and Patriotic Alliance will meet this week to fix tensions in Johannesburg over Kenny Kunene’s return as Transport MMC.” Speculation grew on Ramaphosa’s “blink,” with comments like: “Cyril Ramaphosa & the ANC blinked it seems.”
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