The second coming of Kenny Kunene: Patriotic Alliance boss back as Joburg Transport MMC
Patriotic Alliance deputy president Kenny Kunene has officially returned to the position of City of Johannesburg's Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport, following a swearing-in ceremony officiated by Council Speaker Margaret Arnolds on Monday.
Image: City of Joburg
Kenny Kunene has officially returned to the plush City of Joburg Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport position, following a swearing-in ceremony officiated by Council Speaker Cllr Margaret Arnolds on Monday.
Kunene, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy president, previously resigned from his council and MMC positions amid controversy in July 2025, after being found at the house of Katiso "TK" Molefe, the murder accused in the case of musician DJ Sumbody. At the time, the PA suspended him pending an internal investigation.
After being cleared of any wrongdoing, Kunene was reinstated as a councillor last month, with PA leader Gayton McKenzie threatening to withdraw the party from coalition agreements with the ANC in the city if Kunene was not reappointed to the mayoral committee.
Patriotic Alliance deputy president Kenny Kunene has officially returned to the position of City of Johannesburg's Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport, following a swearing-in ceremony officiated by Council Speaker Margaret Arnolds on Monday.
Image: City of Joburg
The MMC for Transport portfolio is responsible for overseeing Johannesburg’s roads, public transport systems, traffic management, and related infrastructure projects. Kunene’s return is expected to provide continuity in city transport projects while stabilising the political coalition in the council.
Speaking after the ceremony, Kunene expressed gratitude for the support he received from his party and pledged to focus on improving transport systems across Johannesburg.
Last week, IOL reported that ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula had urged coalition partners in the Government of National Unity (GNU) to act with political maturity and avoid threatening to walk away when disagreements arise, following the Patriotic Alliance’s ultimatum over political appointments in Johannesburg.
Speaking to eNCA, Mbalula confirmed that the ANC had not yet met with the PA following its threat to leave the GNU by Tuesday if Kenny Kunene is not reinstated as MMC for Transport in the City of Johannesburg.
He said the matter is being handled by ANC structures in Gauteng together with coalition partners.
IOL reported that PA leader Gayton McKenzie announced he would resign as Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture on Tuesday as part of the party’s decision to withdraw from all governing coalitions with the ANC at national, provincial, and local levels.
McKenzie cited “repeated acts of bad faith, political betrayal, and disrespect” from ANC leaders, particularly in Gauteng.
He said the fallout began in Ekurhuleni, where the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) allegedly blocked the PA from joining the coalition.
In Johannesburg, the PA initially held two portfolios, Human Settlements and Roads & Transport, but agreed to give up one to the IFP for the sake of coalition stability. However, tensions escalated after Kunene resigned as MMC for Transport following public criticism.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News