Patriotic Alliance
Patriotic Alliance names suspended deputy Kenny Kunene as Johannesburg mayoral candidate.
The party made the bold move on Monday, 15 September 2025, despite Kunene’s ongoing suspension over his links to Katiso “KT” Molefe, the alleged mastermind behind the 2022 murder of popular DJ Oupa Sefoka, known as DJ Sumbody. PA leader Gayton McKenzie announced it during a Facebook Live session on Sunday night, saying the internal probe into Kunene is nearly done and praising his past work in the city. “The investigation of the DP will probably be done, Eugene will tell us tomorrow when the investigation will be done. He (Kunene) has done very good work in the City of Joburg, and the DP will be our mayoral candidate for Joburg. We insist on that as he was a councillor. We will discuss with him that position, but the DP, we want his case to finish,” McKenzie said.
This decision has stirred controversy in Johannesburg’s cut-throat political scene, where the PA holds key coalition spots in the Government of National Unity (GNU). Kunene, a colourful figure with a past in nightlife and politics, was found at Molefe’s upscale Sandton home on 21 July 2025, when police raided it to arrest the businessman for Sefoka’s killing. Kunene claimed he was there as a media consultant, but the link led to his 30-day suspension from PA duties and resignation as MMC for Transport and proportional representation councillor on 26 July 2025. The party, now part of the national coalition with McKenzie as Sports, Arts and Culture Minister, is eyeing the 2026 local elections, where Johannesburg’s mayor role is up for grabs amid coalition shifts.
Kunene’s Rocky Path: From Nightclub King to Political Firebrand
Kenny Kunene, 54, is no stranger to headlines. Born in Soweto, he built a fortune in the nightclub scene, co-owning spots like the infamous ZAR Lounge, known for wild parties with celebrities and politicians. But his past includes a 2013 fraud conviction for a R5 million Ponzi scheme, serving 22 months in prison. Released in 2015, he reinvented himself as a businessman and activist, co-founding the PA in 2013 with McKenzie—a former gangster turned preacher and politician.
The PA, a right-wing outfit focused on anti-immigrant stances and cleaning up crime, gained traction in Western Cape by-elections before joining Johannesburg’s coalition in 2022. Kunene became MMC for Transport, pushing for better public safety and rail fixes, but his brash style drew flak. He once defended a mayor’s lack of matric as “God-anointed,” sparking debates on qualifications.
The DJ Sumbody saga thrust him back into the spotlight. Sefoka, 27, was gunned down in a drive-by on 29 November 2022 outside his Soweto home, in what police called a hit tied to taxi or nightlife rivalries. Molefe, 35, a Sandton tycoon in construction and entertainment, was arrested with three others on 21 July 2025, charged with murder, conspiracy, and firearm possession. Court papers allege Molefe hired hitmen for R300,000, motivated by business disputes. Kunene’s presence during the raid—sipping tea, per reports—raised eyebrows. He insisted he was interviewing Molefe for a podcast on crime syndicates, denying close ties. “I know him as a businessman, but not personally,” Kunene told eNCA on 22 July 2025.
McKenzie suspended him immediately, saying, “We will not protect criminals.” But by late July, Kunene resigned from council, citing public interest. The PA’s internal probe, led by Eugene Cronje, wrapped up quickly, clearing him of wrongdoing. McKenzie, in his Live, said Kunene’s “good work” in Joburg—like transport probes—earns him the nod.
PA’s Gamble: Backing Kunene Amid Scandal
The PA’s choice signals confidence in Kunene despite the heat. McKenzie, who served time for armed robbery in the 1990s before reforming, sees parallels in redemption stories. The party, with three Joburg councillors, punched above its weight in 2021 elections (1% nationally) by joining coalitions. Kunene’s transport role saw him tackle illegal taxis and bus rapid transit woes, earning praise from some riders but criticism for flashy style.
Reactions are mixed. EFF leader Julius Malema blasted it on 24 July 2025, calling Kunene’s “journalist” excuse a lie and linking him to Molefe. “We told you they are criminals,” Malema said, sharing photos of Kunene, McKenzie, and Molefe together. ActionSA’s Herman Mashaba demanded Mayor Thapelo Morero release a July 2025 probe into Kunene’s allegations. The DA Joburg Caucus, on 25 July 2025, urged publishing the report, questioning Kunene’s fitness.
Sefoka’s family and fans mourn, with the case ongoing at Randburg Magistrate’s Court. Molefe’s bail hearing is set for 5 August 2025, where Kunene might testify. DJ Sumbody’s murder shocked the music scene; he was rising with hits like “Igqom” and owned the Ayepyep nightclub chain, clashing with rivals.
Eyes on 2026: A High-Stakes Bet for PA
Johannesburg’s mayoralty is a prize in 2026, with the ANC-DA-IFP coalition shaky after 2024’s hung council. The PA, part of the GNU nationally, wants leverage in Africa’s richest city (R81 billion budget). Kunene’s nomination positions him as a tough-on-crime voice, fitting PA’s anti-gang platform. But the scandal risks alienating voters; polls show 60% distrust politicians with criminal ties.
McKenzie defended it: “I’ve got no doubt he will be cleared.” Kunene, in a 22 July 2025 statement, said he stepped aside for the probe but stands by his innocence. The PA’s probe found no misconduct, but public scepticism lingers, especially after Kunene’s fraud past.
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