The Patriotic Alliance: Kenny Kunene’s resignation rocks the party

The Patriotic Alliance at a Crossroads: Kunene’s Resignation Rocks the Party

The Patriotic Alliance (PA) finds itself at the centre of a political storm as its deputy president, Kenny Kunene, steps aside from his role amid serious allegations and growing public scrutiny. Kunene’s dramatic resignation from the Johannesburg mayoral committee and City Council has left the party scrambling to steady its footing – all while its leader, Gayton McKenzie, prepares to announce the party’s next move.

The Kunene Crisis: What We Know

Kunene, the flamboyant and often controversial deputy president of the PA, tendered his resignation on 25 July. This followed a firestorm after he was found at the Sandton residence of murder-accused businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe, during a police raid aimed at arresting Molefe in connection with the 2022 murder of popular DJ Oupa “Sumbody” Sefoka.

While Kunene maintains his presence at the house was linked to his role as owner of the online publication African News Global – reportedly accompanying a journalist for an exclusive interview – questions over his association with Molefe quickly ignited outrage and disbelief. As media scrutiny intensified, Kunene announced he would be stepping away from his political duties pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

Suspension and Support: The Party Reacts

PA spokesperson Steve Motale confirmed that Kunene had been suspended from party activities for 30 days. However, he remains the PA’s deputy president. The investigation, led by an independent legal team, aims to assess whether Kunene’s explanation holds water or whether deeper political rot is at play.

In a letter posted to X (formerly Twitter), McKenzie explained the suspension was necessary given “public perception” and the “allegations that have arisen.” Yet he was also quick to defend Kunene, describing him as “a good man” who “would never get involved with murders.”

McKenzie – who is also Kunene’s close personal friend and godparent to his children – is expected to announce Kunene’s interim replacement in the Johannesburg council today, in a much-anticipated address on Facebook.

Political Fallout in the City of Johannesburg

Kunene’s departure has left a significant vacuum in the City of Johannesburg, particularly within the transport portfolio, where he served as MMC. His oversight included major contracts at entities such as the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) and the Metropolitan Trading Company (MTC), both of which now face renewed scrutiny.

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has seized the moment, calling for a full investigation into contracts and procurement processes under Kunene’s leadership. Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, leader of the DA caucus in Johannesburg, has given Executive Mayor Dada Morero seven days to respond or face legal escalation.

Meanwhile, Morero welcomed Kunene’s resignation and confirmed that the city council, given Kunene’s departure, no longer has jurisdiction over him – shifting the burden of further inquiry onto police investigators.

A Crisis Amid Growing Influence

Ironically, the PA’s internal crisis comes at a time of growing political traction. The party recently clinched a by-election victory in the DA stronghold of Drakenstein (Paarl and Wellington), signalling expanding support at local government level. As a partner in the Government of National Unity, the PA has much at stake in maintaining a clean public image.

But this incident has cast a long shadow. The party’s reputation – and its rhetoric around law and order – is now under intense public examination.

A Mixed Response from Political Rivals

Other political parties have weighed in. Matthew Cook, national chairperson of the Good Party, praised Kunene’s decision to step aside as “responsible and necessary” in defence of public trust. While not an admission of guilt, Cook argued that the move allows “due process, transparency and a fair resolution.”

He also pointed to the broader crisis facing Johannesburg – from collapsing infrastructure and unreliable public transport to service delivery failures. “These challenges require an MMC that is fully focused, credible and above reproach,” Cook said.

He added: “Good remains committed to placing the interests of Johannesburg’s residents above politics. We support all efforts to promote ethical governance, safeguard due process and reinforce a culture of accountability, transparency and dignity in local government.”

What Comes Next?

All eyes are now on McKenzie’s impending announcement. With Kunene’s political future hanging in the balance, and the PA’s public image at risk, the party’s next move could shape its trajectory heading into the next local government cycle.

Whether McKenzie can restore stability – and maintain the party’s momentum – depends on how convincingly he can navigate this storm.

The investigation into the relationship between Kunene and Molefe now lies with the police. The City of Johannesburg, meanwhile, continues to grapple with pressing service delivery and infrastructure issues across all wards.