The Patriotic Alliance (PA) has revealed that Kenny Kunene, its deputy president, will be the party’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg.
Kenny Kunene named PA’s Johannesburg mayoral candidate
This announcement comes while Kunene remains suspended pending an investigation into his links with alleged crime boss Katiso “KT” Molefe.
PA leader Gayton McKenzie confirmed the decision during a Facebook live broadcast, saying that despite the controversy, Kunene’s work in Johannesburg had been “very good.”
Why Kunene was suspended
Kunene stepped down as a Johannesburg councillor earlier this year after being seen at Molefe’s Sandton home during a police raid linked to the murder of popular musician DJ Sumbody. Molefe was later arrested for his alleged involvement in the killing.
The Patriotic Alliance quickly suspended Kunene and removed him from his position as Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport.
Kunene said there was nothing suspicious about his presence at Molefe’s house, claiming he was only accompanying a journalist from a media outlet he owns. Nonetheless, his party initiated a 30-day internal investigation into the matter.
Kenny Kunene is no stranger to public attention. He previously served a prison sentence for running a Ponzi scheme from 1997 to 2003. After his release, he moved into business and politics, often making headlines for his outspoken personality and lavish lifestyle.
His alliance with Gayton McKenzie helped shape the Patriotic Alliance into a fast-growing political party, now positioning itself as a serious player in South African local politics.
McKenzie defends the choice
Despite the suspension, McKenzie stood firm in backing Kunene.
“The investigation of the DP [deputy president] will probably be done soon,” McKenzie said.
“He has done very good work in the City of Joburg, and the DP will be our mayoral candidate for Joburg.”
He added that the PA would continue discussions with Kunene regarding his candidacy but emphasised the party’s confidence in him.
Other PA leadership changes
The Patriotic Alliance also announced several leadership reshuffles:
- Liam Jacobs, who was sworn in as a Johannesburg councillor just a month ago, will now resign to become the party’s mayoral candidate for Cape Town.
- Raatiqah Tagodien, previously the Cape Town mayoral candidate, has been promoted to the PA’s national executive committee.
- Jacobs has also been appointed as the party’s national youth leader.
McKenzie suggested that Jacobs was being targeted by opponents and said the party wanted to use his talents on a national scale.
The Patriotic Alliance is pushing ahead with Kunene as its Johannesburg mayoral candidate while its investigation continues.