“We Won’t Be Ignored”: McKenzie Threatens to Exit GNU Over Kunene Fallout

Patriotic Alliance Leader Cites Disrespect and Coalition Tensions

In a dramatic declaration this Heritage Day, Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie threatened to withdraw his party from both the Johannesburg coalition and the Government of National Unity (GNU), citing alleged disrespect from coalition partners and delays in reinstating his deputy, Kenny Kunene, to a key municipal post.

Speaking to eNCA, McKenzie expressed frustration over the treatment of his party, which shocked many observers with its strong showing in the 2024 general elections, securing nine parliamentary seats and playing a pivotal role in the GNU.

“We are not considering, we are withdrawing from our relationship in coalitions, and immediately after that, we are going to start the processes of withdrawing from the GNU,” McKenzie said.

He added that the move was about respect and accountability, not positions of power:

“We cannot be treated like that by Dada Morero. He cannot even give our people water. We are not here for positions. I will go back, I will go to the ground, and we will see what the future holds.”

The Kunene Controversy

The immediate flashpoint is the delay in reinstating Kunene as the City of Johannesburg’s transport MMC, despite a recent law firm investigation clearing him of wrongdoing. Kunene’s suspension earlier this year followed reports of his presence at the home of businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe, a suspect in the 2022 assassination of musician and club owner Oupa “DJ Sumbody” Sefoka.

In a Facebook Live broadcast, McKenzie celebrated the exoneration of his deputy:

“The DP (deputy president Kunene) is innocent… they investigated him, interviewed people, you will see it for yourselves. I am giving it to Patriotic Alliance members. This is where you get your news.”

McKenzie praised Kunene’s leadership and loyalty to the party during the suspension period:

“To the DP, you have shown absolute leadership. You never went out to badmouth the party. I want to say our DP is back.”

Political Fallout in Johannesburg

The standoff has intensified tensions within the Johannesburg coalition, with critics questioning the handling of municipal appointments and service delivery. McKenzie accused Mayor Dada Morero of sidelining the PA and failing to address critical issues affecting communities like Westbury, highlighting ongoing frustrations with governance and coalition dynamics.

Political analysts suggest that if McKenzie follows through with his withdrawal, the PA could reshape Johannesburg’s political landscape, potentially destabilizing service delivery and coalition agreements ahead of the next municipal elections.

Social Media Reaction

The announcement sparked a flurry of online debate, with PA supporters applauding McKenzie for standing up for his deputy and the party’s mandate, while critics warned that the move could worsen political instability in Johannesburg. Many expressed concern over water service delays and administrative gridlock as a result of the ongoing tensions.

What Comes Next

With the PA threatening to pull out of the GNU and the coalition, Johannesburg’s political scene remains uncertain. McKenzie has signaled that the party will return to grassroots engagement, suggesting a focus on community-driven action while navigating national and municipal politics.

“We are going to the people. We will see what the future holds,” he said.

Observers will be watching closely in the coming weeks to see whether the Patriotic Alliance takes its boldest political step yet, potentially shifting power dynamics in South Africa’s economic capital.

{Source: IOL}

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