JOHANNESBURG Kenny Kunene- Controversy surrounds the Patriotic Alliance’s latest political announcement as the party has officially named its deputy president, Kenny Kunene, as the mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, despite his current suspension and an ongoing investigation into alleged links with the criminal underworld.
Kunene, known both for his flamboyant personality and his political career, has become a central figure in the unfolding drama involving alleged crime kingpin Katiso “KT” Molefe. His appointment has sparked debate, given that he is currently under internal review for his suspected ties to Molefe.
Kunene’s suspension stems from an incident that raised significant public concern. The Patriotic Alliance deputy president was reportedly found at Molefe’s Sandton residence at the time police moved in to arrest Molefe in connection with the murder of well-known music personality Oupa Sefoka, popularly known as DJ Sumbody.
While Kunene has not been formally charged with any crime, his presence at the scene triggered immediate internal action from the Patriotic Alliance, which launched an investigation into his conduct and potential links to Molefe.
Kenny Kunene Under Investigation for Alleged Underworld Ties
Despite the gravity of the allegations, PA leader Gayton McKenzie appeared unfazed in a live broadcast on Facebook, stating that the party’s internal probe into Kenny Kunene is nearing completion.
“The investigation of the DP [Deputy President] will probably be done… He 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,” said McKenzie.
McKenzie’s comments highlighted the party’s unwavering support for Kunene, citing his performance as a councillor in the City of Johannesburg as a key reason for nominating him for the mayoral position. The Patriotic Alliance believes Kenny Kunene has a proven track record in governance and intends to back him unless the internal investigation proves otherwise.
This decision comes amid growing scrutiny over political accountability and transparency, especially when public figures face allegations related to criminal activities or misconduct.
While Kunene’s nomination dominated headlines, the Patriotic Alliance also announced significant leadership changes in other key municipalities.
The party revealed that Liam Jacobs, who was only sworn in as a Johannesburg councillor one month ago, will step down from his role. Jacobs has now been selected as the PA’s mayoral candidate for Cape Town, replacing Raatiqah Tagodien, who has been elevated to the party’s national executive committee.
With this shift, Jacobs will no longer serve as the party’s mayoral candidate for the City of Tshwane — a post he had previously been expected to contest.
Additionally, McKenzie shared that Jacobs would also take on the new role of national youth leader for the Patriotic Alliance.
“We are removing Liam Jacobs out of council because I think they [DA councillors] are intimidated, and they want him to be an honorary councillor — we know there are some DA guys that are intimidated by him. We’re not going to let such talent sit there while we can use it elsewhere,” McKenzie explained.
The decision to push forward with Kenny Kunene as the party’s top pick for Johannesburg mayor comes at a crucial time for the Patriotic Alliance, as it seeks to expand its political influence across major metros in South Africa.
While critics argue that the party is taking a major risk by promoting a suspended member under investigation, supporters believe the move demonstrates confidence in Kunene’s leadership and experience in urban governance.
It also underscores the Patriotic Alliance’s strategy of standing by its leaders until proven guilty, rather than yielding to public pressure or speculation.
As the internal investigation into Kenny Kunene nears its conclusion, all eyes will be on the Patriotic Alliance’s next steps. If cleared, Kunene will likely begin a full-fledged campaign to become the next Mayor of Johannesburg — a position that could significantly shift the city’s political dynamics.
However, if the investigation uncovers incriminating links to Molefe or the broader criminal underworld, the PA may be forced to retract their endorsement and reassess their leadership choices.
For now, the party is standing firm, and Kenny Kunene remains both suspended and nominated — a paradoxical position that highlights the increasingly complex nature of South African local politics.
Source- EWN
