On September 19, Kenny Kunene, the Patriotic Alliance's (PA) deputy president and Johannesburg Transport MMC, officially launched his campaign to become the city's mayor. During the event in Aeroton, Kunene outlined his priorities, including addressing hijacked buildings, informal settlements, and providing debt relief to residents struggling with municipal payments. He emphasized his experience in government and claimed to have a strong track record in tackling issues that current City leaders and other parties have neglected.
Kunene boasted about his achievements as transport MMC, stating that he has done more roads and fixed more potholes than any other MMC since democracy. He attributed his success to a results-driven work ethic, evident in the Johannesburg Roads Agency and the transport department. Despite reports of the City's asphalt plant being offline due to a supplier issue and the JRA's fleet being grounded due to financial constraints, Kunene expressed confidence in his ability to lead Joburg.
A key aspect of Kunene's campaign is ensuring a safe City of Johannesburg, with a focus on street lighting. He promised that every electric pole and light would be functional, providing residents with light at night, just as God gives light during the day. The PA has been gaining traction in Johannesburg, emerging as kingmakers during the no-confidence vote against former mayor Mpho Phalatse in 2023. The party currently holds 11 seats in the 270-member council, after winning several by-elections.
The PA's growth in Johannesburg can be attributed to its appeal across racial lines, according to party supporters. Brendan Pietersen, 70, and Andy Beukes, 56, cited the party's commitment to being in touch with South Africans as the reason for their support. Kunene also emphasized his party's efforts to reclaim hijacked buildings, showcasing videos of alleged successes, including the removal of an Angolan hijacker and the installation of a South African family.
Kunene addressed the City's water and electricity problems, attributing them to hijacked buildings, informal settlements, and illegal connections. He claimed that these issues result in a cycle of escalating demand and dwindling revenue, perpetuating the municipality's debt to Eskom and Rand Water. To address this, Kunene proposed implementing a City motion to write off the debt of residents whose properties are valued at under R1-million, aiming to clean up the debtors' book and provide relief to struggling residents.
Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie, who backs Kunene, stated that the PA would focus on immigration, particularly the expulsion of illegal migrants. He claimed that those opposed to this stance are motivated by privilege, as they do not compete with illegal foreigners for housing or school spots. McKenzie expressed confidence that under Kunene's leadership, illegal migrants would be addressed.
McKenzie praised Kunene as a "ruffian" who would get the job done, labeling DA candidate Helen Zille as the worst mayoral candidate for Johannesburg. Kunene, like his party leader, has served time in prison and was briefly stepped away from his MMC role in 2025 after being found at the home of a murder-accused individual. He was reinstated after being cleared by an internal PA inquiry. The local elections are set for 2026, with Kunene's campaign gaining momentum.
Key points
- Kenny Kunene launches mayoral campaign, focusing on hijacked buildings, informal settlements, and debt relief.
- Patriotic Alliance gains traction in Johannesburg, holding 11 seats in the city council.
- Kunene proposes writing off debt for residents with properties valued at under R1-million.
