Gayton McKenzie’s High-Stakes Ultimatum: Will the PA Walk Away from the GNU Over One Job in Joburg?

Gayton McKenzie’s Gamble: Will the GNU Survive One Man’s Job?

Politics in Johannesburg has seen its fair share of drama, but the latest showdown could have ripple effects far beyond the city’s borders.

Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has issued a bold ultimatum to the ANC-led Government of National Unity (GNU): reinstate Kenny Kunene as the City of Joburg’s MMC for Transport or we walk.

This isn’t just a clash over a title. It’s a high-stakes power struggle over political influence, coalition leverage, and access to one of the metro’s biggest budgets.

Why Is the Transport MMC Post So Important?

Kenny Kunene, the former Transport MMC, resigned after controversy surrounding his presence at the home of a murder suspect linked to well-known DJ Sumbody.
A subsequent investigation, commissioned by the PA cleared him.

Now he’s back as councillor, and the PA wants his old seat returned.

But political insiders say the Transport portfolio is a gold mine of influence, managing billions in road works and infrastructure.

No wonder both the EFF and ANC are reportedly circling the role.

McKenzie Accuses ANC of Cutting Backroom Deals

McKenzie claims Johannesburg mayor Dada Morero is trying to hand the post to the EFF instead.
In a fiery address to PA members, he threatened:

“If he is not appointed, then Tuesday morning I am resigning… The only thing that can make me stay is his reinstatement.”

He insists the PA was promised control of housing and transport in Gauteng, but after giving housing to the IFP, transport is non-negotiable.

Will He Actually Walk Away? Analysts Are Divided

Political analyst Ntsikelelo Breakfast believes the ANC won’t risk losing the PA, especially as it courts coloured voters, where the PA has real traction.

Another analyst, Theo Neethling, warns McKenzie could be bluffing into a corner:

“He will have to keep his word. But if he pulls out, it will disadvantage the PA… He’s only in the national spotlight because of the GNU.”

In other words, leave now, and the PA risks fading back into obscurity.

Public Sentiment: Principles or Posturing?

Social media reaction has been mixed:

• Some admire McKenzie’s loyalty to his party comrade.

• Others dismiss it as political hostage-taking, pointing out the real losers are Joburg residents, who just want working roads, buses and traffic lights not ego battles.

One X (Twitter) user summed it up bluntly:

“These guys are fighting over titles, not service delivery. Not one word about fixing potholes.”

So What Happens Next?

Behind closed doors, the ANC, EFF and PA are locked in tense negotiations.
If Kunene is reinstated, McKenzie gets his win and proves the PA can strong-arm bigger parties.
If not? South Africa could witness the first major crack in the much-hyped GNU.

Either way, one thing is clear:

In South African coalition politics, even a single MMC seat can shake the entire government.

{Source: The Citizen}

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