Humility or Hustle? Patriotic Alliance Shows Its True Colours in Kunene Saga

When the Patriotic Alliance (PA) first muscled its way into South Africa’s Government of National Unity, many were struck by Gayton McKenzie’s charm offensive.

He told interviewers, including journalist Mandy Wiener, that he walked into negotiations without demands, unlike the ANC’s usual coalition partners. He famously didn’t ask for a ministry… but then quipped that he wouldn’t accept “a VW Citi Golf if others were driving Lamborghinis.”

At the time, it came across as disarming, a smart hustler who knew how to dress ambition in modesty.

One year later? The mask has slipped.

From Humility to Ultimatum

The trigger: Kenny Kunene, McKenzie’s longtime ally and PA heavyweight, was found on the scene of an arrest involving an alleged criminal syndicate in KwaZulu-Natal. Kunene, then serving on Johannesburg’s mayoral committee, claimed innocence.

Instead of stepping back and allowing state processes to unfold, the PA staged its own internal “investigation”. They hired their own law firm, who surprise cleared their own member.

It’s the political equivalent of Kaizer Chiefs hiring their own referee for a match against Orlando Pirates.

Yet McKenzie presented this as a model of accountability, even calling it a “blueprint for other parties.”

Then came the kicker:
Either Kunene is reinstated or the PA walks out of its coalition positions, including McKenzie resigning from Cabinet.

So much for “we don’t demand positions.”

ANC Bends Again

Instead of insisting on due process via national inquiries like the Madlanga Commission, reports suggest the ANC leadership is already folding, instructing Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero to reinstate Kunene.

Not because he’s been cleared by the state.
But because the PA threatened to flirt with the DA if they didn’t get their way.

If that’s not classic coalition blackmail, what is?

The Real Game: Outmaneuvering the EFF

Let’s be blunt, the PA’s newfound “outrage” isn’t about principles.

It’s about positioning.

The EFF once thrived as kingmakers, extracting concessions by threatening instability. Now the PA is playing the same game, only louder, faster, and less apologetically.

They hustled into Cabinet by promising stability.
Now they’re holding stability hostage.

The Hustler Strategy Is Clear

Gayton McKenzie built his image on humility and honour, but political survival is a different sport. The Kunene saga shows that the PA is willing to trade principles for power or at least threaten to.

Their internal investigation was a performance.
Their humility was branding.
Their latest ultimatum? Pure hustle.

And South Africans must now decide:

Is this strategic brilliance or dangerous political thuggery dressed as coalition politics?

One thing’s certain: the PA didn’t come to sit quietly in the back seat. They came to drive and they don’t mind revving the engine.

{Source: The Citizen}

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