McKenzie issues resignation ultimatum over coalition dispute

Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, leader of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), delivered a fiery ultimatum to the African National Congress (ANC) on Friday, threatening to resign his cabinet post by Tuesday unless PA deputy Kenny Kunene is reinstated as a member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for transport in Johannesburg. The standoff, rooted in accusations of broken coalition agreements and disrespect, escalates tensions within South Africa’s fragile Government of National Unity, formed just months after the ANC’s 2024 election losses.

McKenzie, speaking publicly amid mounting frustrations, declared he would “vacate” his ministerial position if Kunene’s reinstatement does not materialize by the deadline. He further warned that the PA would pull out of all coalitions with the ANC within seven days if the demand goes unmet, potentially destabilizing local governance in key metros like Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni. The dispute gained complexity with claims that the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has refused to coalition with the PA in Ekurhuleni, compounding what McKenzie described as the ANC’s failure to honor post-election pacts.

The PA’s involvement in the GNU has been pivotal in bolstering the ANC’s parliamentary majority, but such rifts highlight the coalition’s vulnerability to ideological and personal clashes. Political analysts warn that a PA exit could trigger a domino effect, forcing by-elections or realignments ahead of the 2026 local government polls and undermining the unity government’s promises of stability.In rugby news, the Springboks underwent a last-minute training reshuffle ahead of their upcoming international clash, thrusting uncapped utility forward Jan-Hendrik Wessels into a pivotal backup role due to prop Ox Nche’s injury. Wessels, originally earmarked as a reserve hooker, is now poised to cover both hooker and loosehead prop positions, showcasing his positional versatility in a bid to shore up the team’s front-row depth.

The adjustment comes at a critical juncture for South Africa’s World Cup champions, with hooker Bongi Mbonambi’s form reportedly dipping and Malcolm Marx’s advancing age raising long-term concerns. Coaches view Wessels’ adaptability as a potential game-changer, offering him a prime opportunity to debut and stake a claim in the national setup. Springboks management confirmed the changes late Thursday, emphasizing the player’s readiness to step up amid the injury setback.