President Ramaphosa
In a bold move to steady the ship amid rising political storms, President Cyril Ramaphosa has directly intervened to ensure the reinstatement of Kenny Kunene as Johannesburg’s Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Transport. This decision comes as tensions boil over in the city’s coalition government, with the Patriotic Alliance (PA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) both issuing stark warnings that could shake the foundations of local and national partnerships. The ANC’s national leadership has now mandated that Kunene be back in his role by Tuesday, putting a stop to any planned reshuffles that might have handed the key transport portfolio to the EFF. 
This high-level involvement highlights the fragile nature of the Government of National Unity (GNU) formed after the 2024 elections, where no party secured a clear majority, forcing uneasy alliances across the board.
The drama unfolded against a backdrop of ultimatums and public declarations, with PA leader and Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie threatening to resign from Cabinet and pull his party out of all ANC-led coalitions if Kunene was not swiftly restored.  McKenzie’s announcement, made during a symbolic event on Robben Island commemorating former political prisoners, underscored his frustration with what he described as “disrespect” at the local level in Johannesburg.  Yet, he was careful to separate these municipal woes from the national GNU, insisting there was “nothing wrong” at the top but “everything wrong down there.”  This intervention by Ramaphosa aims to calm investor nerves and maintain confidence in the GNU project, as insiders warn that further instability could unsettle South Africa’s economic hub. 
The Flashpoint: Kunene’s Controversial Ousting and Clearance
At the core of this political saga is Kenny Kunene, the PA deputy president often nicknamed “Mr Sushi” for his colourful past in business and entertainment. Kunene’s troubles began in July 2025 when police raided the Sandton home of businessman Katiso “KT” Molefe, arresting him as the alleged mastermind behind the 2022 murder of popular musician Oupa John Sefoka, better known as DJ Sumbody.  DJ Sumbody was gunned down in a hail of bullets in Woodmead, Johannesburg, on 20 November 2022, in what authorities believe stemmed from bitter business disputes involving nightclubs and entertainment ventures.  The attack also claimed the lives of two of his bodyguards, sending shockwaves through the South African music industry and leaving fans mourning a talented artist whose hits like “Monate Mpolaye” had become anthems.
Kunene was unexpectedly found at Molefe’s residence during the raid, sparking immediate speculation and scrutiny.  He explained that he had just arrived to accompany a young journalist, Jabulani Binase, from his online publication Africa News Global, for what was meant to be an exclusive interview facilitated by a contact known only as Jabu.  The editor, Steve Motale, was also part of the arrangement, according to the probe’s findings. Kunene insisted the police even apologised to him during the operation, recognising his unintended presence at the scene.  Despite this, the incident led to his suspension by McKenzie as PA deputy president and his voluntary resignation as both councillor and MMC for Transport, to avoid dragging the party into controversy. 
An independent forensic investigation by law firm Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr, commissioned by the PA, thoroughly examined the claims.  The probe included in-depth interviews with Kunene, Binase, Jabu, and Motale, and concluded that Kunene’s account was truthful and consistent, with no evidence of any criminal involvement or wrongdoing.  McKenzie announced the clearance on Facebook, exclaiming “God is great, I knew it,” and praising the law firm’s professionalism for keeping the process leak-free.  PA secretary-general Chinelle Stevens echoed this, calling on critics to respect the findings and focus on real issues facing South Africans, rather than “baseless allegations.” 
This exoneration paved the way for Kunene’s demand to return to his transport role, which he argued was part of a five-year agreement negotiated by the PA with the ANC.  He accused Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero of stalling, even acting as a de facto MMC for Transport in the interim, which further inflamed tensions.  Kunene’s clearance was seen as a vindication, but it did not immediately resolve the political deadlock, leading to the escalation that drew in national leaders.
Coalition Cracks: PA’s Ultimatums and EFF’s Demands
The reinstatement row exposed deep fissures in Johannesburg’s coalition government, a patchwork of alliances formed after the 2021 local elections where no party dominated.  The PA, holding a small but pivotal number of seats, had secured the transport portfolio as part of the deal, viewing it as crucial for influencing contracts, infrastructure projects, and service delivery in a city plagued by potholes, traffic chaos, and public transport woes. 
McKenzie issued a seven-day ultimatum to the ANC, demanding Kunene’s return or face a “mass exodus” of all elected PA officials from coalitions nationwide, including the GNU.  He highlighted local frustrations, such as the city’s failure to provide water to communities like Westbury, Newclare, and Coronationville, forcing him to personally fund private water tankers for residents.  McKenzie described the treatment as “humiliating,” accusing the ANC and EFF of colluding to snatch the transport post and block PA nominees, including former DA MP Liam Jacobs, who was briefly lined up as a replacement. 
On the other side, the EFF has lobbied aggressively for the transport portfolio, seeing it as a strategic lever for their radical economic transformation agenda.  Behind the scenes, EFF leaders reportedly warned the ANC of pulling out from every co-governed municipality if their demands went unmet, potentially collapsing coalitions in major cities.  This double threat created a high-stakes standoff, with Morero initially dragging his feet, stating the city could not investigate Kunene internally and that the vacancy did not “belong” to any party. 
Opposition voices, like the DA, added fuel to the fire. DA caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku demanded Kunene’s removal and probes into all contracts and procurement at the Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA) under his watch, questioning his integrity.  Kunene hit back by announcing his own bid for Johannesburg mayor, slamming the DA’s choice of Helen Zille as an “insult” to the city and vowing to fix its messes ahead of the 2026 elections. 
Ramaphosa’s Intervention: A Bid for Stability
Faced with the risk of unraveling the GNU—South Africa’s first multi-party national government in decades—President Ramaphosa stepped in decisively.  Concerned about Johannesburg’s role as the economic engine, he directed the ANC’s top brass to restore Kunene, halting any EFF-PA swap.  This move came after Kunene was hastily sworn back in as a councillor on Friday, setting the stage for his full return. 
Ramaphosa’s involvement echoes his earlier warnings about the city’s decay. In March 2025, he recalled Kunene alerting him “many moons ago” to the billions needed to revive Johannesburg’s crumbling infrastructure, including the CBD plagued by crime and vandalism.  Now, with the G20 Summit on the horizon, stability in Gauteng is paramount, as the president pushes provincial leaders to tackle these issues head-on.
McKenzie, while firm on local grievances, assured no rift in the GNU, pledging the PA would not support any no-confidence motion against Ramaphosa even if they exited.  This would mark the first Cabinet departure since the GNU’s inception 15 months ago, testing its resilience amid policy clashes on issues like land reform and economic recovery.
🔴 Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 115 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition of Central News | Headline: Ngwathe Municipality Refuses to Back Down, Heads to Supreme Court of Appeal
Download Here:
Direct PDF File Here:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Central-News-Issue-115-1.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
centralnewsza #news #politics #ngwathe #feziledabi #freestate
[SRC] https://centralnews.co.za/president-ramaphosa-steps-in-kunene-ordered-back-as-johannesburg-transport-mmc/
