Johannesburg is abuzz with the news: Kenny Kunene, the city’s outspoken MMC for Transport and Deputy President of the Patriotic Alliance (PA), has officially stepped down from his roles. This isn’t just a routine political reshuffle; it’s a direct consequence of a dramatic incident that has thrust Kunene into the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.
The Incident That Sparked It All
The immediate trigger for Kunene’s departure was his presence at the home of Katiso “KT” Molefe during a police raid earlier this week. For those unfamiliar, Molefe has been arrested in connection with the shocking 2022 murders of beloved South African DJ Sumbody (Oupa John Sefoka) and engineer Armand Swart.
Kunene’s appearance at such a sensitive scene naturally raised a storm of questions and concerns. The public outcry was swift, and his own party, the Patriotic Alliance, responded by suspending him as deputy president and recalling him from his MMC position. They’ve launched a 30-day internal investigation into the matter.
In his resignation letter, Kunene made it clear he was stepping down as both MMC and a Proportional Representation (PR) Councillor, effective immediately. He stated that he was “stepping aside from public life, for a period, while my party satisfies itself as to certain allegations that have been raised against me, which are unfounded, but I have nevertheless agreed it would be in the public interest for me to await the clearing of my name before considering a return to public service and duty.”
Kunene’s Side of the Story
So, why was Kunene at Molefe’s house? He claims his presence was entirely innocent. According to Kunene, he was there to facilitate an “exclusive story” for a journalist from his online publication, Africa Global News. He insists he had no prior relationship or interaction with Molefe.
The Political Fallout
Unsurprisingly, the incident and Kunene’s subsequent resignation have sent ripples through Johannesburg’s political landscape:
- Patriotic Alliance (PA): While the PA has suspended Kunene and is investigating, PA leader Gayton McKenzie has publicly suggested that Kunene might have been “set up.” McKenzie emphasized the party’s commitment to accountability and its image ahead of upcoming elections.
- Opposition Parties: They’ve wasted no time in condemning Kunene’s actions.
- The Democratic Alliance (DA), through its Johannesburg caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku, demanded Kunene’s immediate removal, calling his alibi “laughable” and stating his conduct compromised the city’s integrity.
- ActionSA echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of public representatives upholding the highest standards of integrity.
- The UDM welcomed the suspension, viewing it as a positive step towards accountability and restoring public confidence.
What This Means for Joburg Transport
Kunene’s departure leaves a significant void in the City of Johannesburg’s transport portfolio. As MMC, he was known for his hands-on approach to issues like road infrastructure, traffic lights, potholes, and tackling illegal connections. He even acted as executive mayor on several occasions, showcasing his influence.
Now, Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero faces the task of finding a suitable replacement. This sudden change could lead to temporary disruptions in ongoing transport initiatives and projects, as the new MMC will need time to settle in and grasp the complexities of the portfolio.
