Kenny Kunene responds to EFF criticism over illegal miner comments

Kenny Kunene, MMC for Transport in Johannesburg and deputy president of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), remains unshaken despite the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) announcing plans to report him to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC).

The controversy stems from Kunene’s remarks about illegal miners, following the rescue of trapped miners in Stilfontein. Kunene expressed no sympathy for the deceased and called for harsher penalties for those involved in illegal mining.

EFF Plans to Report Kunene

Kunene further escalated tensions by sharing an image of slaughtered animals on X (formerly Twitter), likening it to the fate that awaits illegal miners.

The EFF condemned Kunene’s comments, describing them as “harmful” and “disgraceful” rhetoric aimed at gaining public and electoral support.

“Kunene’s comments represent the lowest level of opportunism and are the hallmarks of sadistic and pathological commitment to dehumanisation and an infatuation with genocide,” the party stated on Sunday.

The EFF accused Kunene and the PA of using xenophobic rhetoric as their political platform, despite evidence suggesting such strategies do not guarantee electoral success.

The party announced plans to:

• Report Kunene to the SAHRC.
• Approach the City of Johannesburg’s Ethics Committee to impose sanctions on him.

Kunene Responds to the EFF

In a video posted on X on Monday, Kunene dismissed the EFF’s actions and accusations.

“I am not fazed by the actions of Malema. He has shown, on many occasions, that he is a lover of illegal foreigners,” Kunene said, referring to EFF leader Julius Malema.

Kunene described illegal miners as “rats” who exploit South Africa’s gold while committing violent crimes, including robbery, murder, and rape.

He highlighted the 2022 Krugersdorp incident, where eight women filming a music video were gang-raped by a group of men believed to be illegal miners.

“Our stance is very clear that all illegal foreigners must be mass deported,” he said. “Illegal foreigners who steal the wealth of this country will be hanged. We choose to hang them unapologetically when we are in power.”

Watch:

My response to mamina malema and his cult @OnsBaizaNie #Abahambe pic.twitter.com/RUYygPyx97

— Kenny Kunene (@Kenny_T_Kunene) January 20, 2025

Patriotic Alliance’s Position on Illegal Mining

Kunene reiterated the PA’s stance that South Africa’s resources should benefit its citizens.

“South Africans should benefit from the wealth of this country, which can fund free education, increased pension payouts, and infrastructure development,” he said.

The PA deputy president criticized Malema, accusing him of being an “enemy” of South Africans. “He hates South Africans. We love South Africans,” Kunene stated.

EFF’s Criticism of Xenophobia

The EFF argued that Kunene’s remarks reflected opportunism and perpetuated xenophobia, which they believe undermines social cohesion. The party emphasized the need for political leaders to address systemic issues without resorting to divisive rhetoric.

Public Reaction

Kunene’s comments have sparked widespread debate. While some South Africans support his call for stricter measures against illegal mining, others criticize his remarks as inflammatory and counterproductive.

Background on Illegal Mining in South Africa

Illegal mining, often referred to as “zama-zama” activity, has been a longstanding issue in South Africa. It is associated with criminal syndicates, environmental destruction, and violent crime. Despite government efforts, the problem persists, posing challenges to law enforcement and resource management.

Calls for Accountability

The EFF’s plan to report Kunene to the SAHRC reflects broader concerns about the role of political rhetoric in shaping public attitudes toward foreign nationals. Civil society groups have also called for balanced approaches that address illegal mining without fueling xenophobia or violence.

Conclusion

Kenny Kunene remains unapologetic about his remarks, framing them as a defense of South African sovereignty and resources. However, the EFF’s actions highlight the contentious nature of the debate surrounding illegal mining and foreign nationals. As the issue continues to unfold, it underscores the need for constructive dialogue and effective policy solutions to address the underlying challenges.