Patriotic Alliance Names Kenny Kunene As Joburg Mayoral Candidate, SA Says: “They’re Not Serious”
- Gayton McKenzie has officially unveiled the Patriotic Alliance's (PA) candidate for the mayoral post in Johannesburg
- The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture also provided an update on the investigation into Kenny Kunene
- South Africans shared their thoughts on the PA's mayoral choice, with some speculating that it would backfire
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – The Patriotic Alliance (PA) have announced its mayoral candidate for the City of Johannesburg (CoJ).
The party has officially chosen its Deputy President (DP), Kenny Kunene, to contest the post in the 2026 Local Government Elections.
Kunene was a former councillor and Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport in the CoJ before he resigned from the posts. Liam Jacobs replaced him as a CoJ councillor.
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Why is the PA going with Kunene?
During a Facebook live on Monday, 15 September 2025, party leader Gayton McKenzie announced that Kunene will be the mayoral candidate.
McKenzie highlighted that Kunene had done very good work in the CoJ and was a councillor. McKenzie announced the decision even though Kunene is currently on a leave of absence pending an investigation into his suspected ties with alleged criminal underworld figure, Katiso “KT” Molefe.
“We insist on that (Kunene contesting the post) as he was a councillor. We will discuss with him that position, but the DP, we want his case to finish,” McKenzie said.
Source: Getty Images
How far along are the investigations?
The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture also provided an update on the internal investigations into Kunene, saying that they were at an advanced stage.
“The investigation of the DP will probably be done soon. Eugene will tell us tomorrow (Tuesday, 16 September 2025) when the investigation will be done,” the PA leader added.
Investigations were launched after Kunene was found in Molefe’s Sandton home when police arrived to arrest him. Molefe was arrested in connection with the murder of Oupa Sefoka, who was also known as DJ Sumbody.
Kunene explained why he was at Molefe’s home, stating that he was accompanying a young journalist from African News Global who wanted to conduct an interview with KT.
How did South Africans react to the PA’s candidate?
South Africans were not impressed with the decision, with some highlighting that politicians were often given more power when they were involved in controversy.
Sonia Matete Kgomo stated:
“Yoh, that would be the beginning of the end for Johannesburg.”
Tinyiko Brass Band Nocket asked:
“Is the suspension lifted? It’s not only ANC, but every party is also a problem.”
Sithembiso Sthe Mdunyelwa also questioned:
“Was he not replaced pending an internal investigation🤔What were the outcomes?”
Kenna Mokoni stated:
“Lol. They’re not serious, hei🤣.”
Teboho Mokoena agreed:
“The PA is not serious.”
Prince Nhlanhla Shongwe said:
“The PA is a joke. This is definitely going to cost them.”
Mo Jr Walter Rakubu added:
“Sometimes leaders don't take their supporters seriously.”
Sandy Mdaka agreed:
“All of these politicians take South Africans for granted.”
Paul Rathbone stated:
“These people got jokes.”
Democratic Alliance welcomes Kunene's resignation
In a related article, the Democratic Alliance welcomed Kunene's decision to resign as the Johannesburg MMC for Transport.
Kunene resigned after he was found at the house of the man accused of being involved in the murder of DJ Sumbody.
Briefly News reported that the party also called for a full investigation into his connection to Katiso Molefe.
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
