The Second Coming of Kenny Kunene: Why the PA Boss is Back as Joburg’s Transport MMC

Johannesburg politics never lacks drama, and this week it delivered another twist: Kenny Kunene, the Patriotic Alliance (PA) deputy president once suspended in scandal, is back in his seat as the city’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport.

Kunene was sworn in on Monday by Council Speaker Cllr Margaret Arnolds, reclaiming a portfolio that oversees the city’s roads, traffic management and the ever-problematic public transport system.

From Scandal to Swearing-In

Just three months ago, Kunene’s political career looked uncertain. He stepped down in July 2025 after being spotted at the home of Katiso “TK” Molefe, the man accused of killing popular musician DJ Sumbody. The PA suspended him amid mounting criticism, though an internal probe later cleared him of wrongdoing.

Last month, the PA quietly reinstated Kunene as councillor. The final push came when PA leader Gayton McKenzie threatened to pull his party out of coalition agreements with the ANC in Joburg unless Kunene returned to the mayoral committee. The ultimatum worked.

Why Transport Matters

For Johannesburg, the transport portfolio is no small assignment. From pothole-riddled roads to unreliable bus services, Joburg’s mobility challenges touch nearly every resident.

Kunene has promised “continuity” in transport projects and pledged to accelerate upgrades:

“I am grateful for the support I’ve received from my party. My focus now is on improving transport systems across Johannesburg,” he said after his swearing-in.

But questions remain: Can Kunene win over sceptical residents who see him as a political survivor rather than a service delivery champion?

ANC vs PA: Coalition on the Brink

Behind Kunene’s comeback lies a stormy coalition saga. The ANC’s Gauteng structures and their partners in the Government of National Unity (GNU) have been walking a tightrope, balancing egos and portfolios.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula recently urged coalition partners to act with “political maturity” instead of making threats. Yet PA leader Gayton McKenzie doubled down, announcing he would resign as Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture and pull the PA out of ANC-led governments across the country.

McKenzie cited “repeated acts of bad faith, political betrayal, and disrespect” from ANC leadersparticularly in Gauteng. He also pointed fingers at the EFF for blocking the PA in Ekurhuleni coalitions.

For Johannesburg, the tensions nearly cost the city its fragile governance arrangements. The PA originally held both Human Settlements and Roads & Transport, but agreed to share power with the IFP. Kunene’s resignation upset this balance, escalating into a high-stakes showdown.

Public Perception: Divided and Watching Closely

On social media, reactions to Kunene’s return were split. Supporters applauded his political resilience, calling it a victory against what they see as unfair political persecution. Critics, however, questioned whether Johannesburg’s battered transport system can afford to be a pawn in coalition wars.

Some Joburg residents expressed frustration that political horse-trading often overshadows service delivery:

“All this drama and the taxis are still chaotic. Can someone fix the actual transport, not just fight for the title?” one user wrote on X.

What’s Next for Joburg?

Kunene’s reinstatement stabilises the coalitionfor now. But the ongoing tug-of-war between the PA and ANC shows how fragile power-sharing remains in Johannesburg.

For residents, the real question is not whether Kunene is “back,” but whether his second coming will mean safer roads, fewer potholes, and a more reliable public transport system.

As always in Joburg politics, the stakes are high, and the drama never far away.

{Source: IOL}

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