Political Earthquake in Joburg

The Patriotic Alliance (PA) faced its first major scandal since entering national politics as Transport MMC Kenny Kunene resigned abruptly from Johannesburg's mayoral committee and party leadership. This follows viral social media evidence placing Kunene at the home of alleged murder syndicate member Katiso "KT" Mofokeng during his arrest—a connection that has sent shockwaves through coalition politics.
Party leader Gayton McKenzie confirmed the resignation in a carefully worded letter obtained by journalists, stating Kunene would "step aside until investigations conclude." The move comes just 18 months before crucial local government elections, testing the PA's anti-crime credibility.

The Unraveling Timeline

1. Initial Denial: Kunene first claimed he was "accompanying a journalist" for an exclusive interview when photographed at Mofokeng's residence during the arrest.
2. Social Media Forensics: Digital sleuths uncovered: - Multiple deleted Instagram posts showing Kunene and Mofokeng at VIP events - A 2022 fundraiser where PA leaders posed with Mofokeng's security company
3. McKenzie's Damage Control: The PA leader framed the resignation as voluntary, emphasizing the need to "test public perception" rather than admitting wrongdoing.
   Political analyst Professor Susan Booysen notes: "This exposes the vulnerability of newer parties to association scandals. The PA built its brand on law-and-order rhetoric—this contradiction could cost them dearly."
   

Coalition Ramifications

The resignation triggers immediate consequences:
For Johannesburg: - Mayor Kabelo Gwamanda must reshuffle the mayoral committee - Potential delays in critical transport projects like the BRT expansion

For the PA - Loses control of Johannesburg's transport portfolio (R4.7bn budget) - Risks alienating its "clean governance" voter base ahead of 2026
Notably, the scandal emerges as the PA negotiates for cabinet positions in the GNU, with McKenzie previously touted as a potential police deputy minister. Opposition parties are already seizing on the irony—the Ex EFF's Mbuyiseni Ndlozi tweeted: "You can take the gangster out of the syndicate, but..."

What’s Next?

1. Internal PA Probe: McKenzie pledged a 30-day investigation, but legal experts question its independence.
2. NPA Scrutiny: Prosecutors may subpoena Kunene's phone records to verify his "journalist escort" claim.
3. Electoral Impact**: Latest polling shows PA support dipping from 2.1% to 1.7% in Gauteng since the scandal broke.

As social media continues dissecting Kunene’s associations—including unearthed photos with McKenzie and Mofokeng—the scandal underscores how digital footprints are rewriting political accountability in South Africa.