South Africa’s political scene may be on the brink of fresh turmoil.
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has issued a bold ultimatum: he plans to resign from Cabinet on Tuesday, and his party, the Patriotic Alliance (PA), will pull out of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and every coalition linked to the ANC.
This dramatic move comes after weeks of growing friction with the City of Johannesburg, particularly around what McKenzie describes as disrespectful treatment of his deputy, Kenny Kunene.
The Dispute That Sparked the Fallout
The fight traces back to the removal of Kenny Kunene from the Johannesburg mayoral committee earlier this year.
His exit followed allegations tied to the arrest of a murder suspect, Katiso Molefe.
Although a legal probe later cleared him, Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero refused to reinstate Kunene.
For McKenzie, this was proof that both the ANC and the EFF were working to sideline the PA.
He went further, accusing the city of blocking even a replacement candidate, former DA MP Liam Jacobs.
In his words: “The position was given to the PA, not to an individual. We have the right to deploy whoever we deem fit.”
The ‘Final Straw’ – A Community Left Without Water
If political snubbing wasn’t enough, McKenzie says the last straw was a water crisis in several PA-supporting communities, including Westbury, Newclare, and Corrie.
He claimed water tankers were diverted elsewhere while residents in these areas were left to suffer.
In the end, McKenzie said he had to step in personally, arranging private water tankers to bring relief.
To him, this was yet another sign of the city’s neglect and disregard for communities aligned with the PA.
What Happens If McKenzie Walks Away
If McKenzie sticks to his word, the fallout will be immediate and historic:
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The Patriotic Alliance would become the first party to abandon the GNU since its formation 15 months ago.
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McKenzie himself would be the first Cabinet minister to resign under the GNU framework.
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Coalition politics in Johannesburg, already fragile, would be pushed into deeper uncertainty.
At the time of writing, neither the ANC, Mayor Morero, nor the EFF had issued any formal response to McKenzie’s ultimatum.
A Turning Point for the GNU?
The exit of the PA, if it happens, could encourage other small parties unhappy with the GNU to follow suit.
Johannesburg, already plagued by political instability, might face fresh negotiations, reshuffles, or even a vote of no confidence.
For now, South Africa watches closely to see whether Gayton McKenzie follows through on his threat — and what it will mean for the fragile balance of power in local and national politics.