It’s not every day that a fiery political figure like Kenny Kunene takes a step back, especially when he’s been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
But that’s exactly what happened as the Deputy President of the Patriotic Alliance (PA) announced his sudden resignation from two major political roles in Johannesburg.
Stepping Away From the Spotlight
Kunene has officially stepped down as both a Proportional Representation Councillor and the Mayoral Committee (MMC) Member for Transport in the City of Johannesburg.
The move follows growing public scrutiny around his alleged link to a man accused of being part of a murder syndicate.
In his resignation letter, Kunene made it clear he’s not admitting guilt, but rather choosing to “step aside” for the sake of transparency.
“I regret to inform you that I have tendered my resignation, effective immediately,” he wrote.
“I am stepping aside from public life, for a period, while my party satisfies itself as to certain allegations that have been raised against me.”
Claims and Counterclaims
What exactly sparked the sudden exit? Just days ago, Kunene was connected to Katiso Molefe, a man accused of being a major player in the 2022 murder of popular artist DJ Sumbody.
Kunene strongly denies any personal ties to Molefe, saying he happened to be at Molefe’s residence while accompanying a journalist on an unrelated assignment.
Still, the optics raised eyebrows—and now, serious questions.
Party President Confirms Internal Probe
PA leader Gayton McKenzie released a statement confirming Kunene’s departure from party duties—at least for now.
According to McKenzie, an independent investigation is already underway, led by a legal team tasked with digging into the allegations.
“He has agreed to cooperate fully with the process,” McKenzie added.
“Until he is fully cleared, he will not hold any official role in the party.”
McKenzie also urged fellow PA members not to get distracted, encouraging them to trust the investigation process and remain focused on their political work.
Kunene Reflects on His Achievements
Despite the circumstances, Kunene used his exit to reflect on his time in office.
Known for his often flamboyant and controversial style, he shared that he’s proud of the work he’s done, particularly in improving Johannesburg’s transport systems.
He thanked his colleagues and the communities he served, hinting that this may not be the end of his political journey.
“I leave the door open for a return,” he seemed to suggest—just as long as he’s cleared of the current cloud hanging over him.
What This Means for the Patriotic Alliance
Kunene’s resignation is more than just a personal setback—it’s a test for the Patriotic Alliance, a party that’s been steadily building influence in South African local politics.
With one of its most high-profile figures now out of the picture, at least temporarily, political analysts are keeping a close eye on how this impacts both Kunene’s career and the party’s momentum.
