Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has accused the African National Congress (ANC) of undermining his party in local government and has threatened to resign from Cabinet if his deputy, Kenny Kunene, is not reinstated to the City of Johannesburg’s mayoral committee.
Tensions Over Coalition Politics
McKenzie took to social media to voice his frustration, claiming the ANC has been engaged in a “silent war” against the PA by sidelining its influence in municipal structures. He announced that unless Kunene is restored to the transport portfolio in Johannesburg, he will step down as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture on Tuesday.
The PA leader argued that it would be hypocritical to ask his party members to vacate coalition positions while he himself remained in national office. His remarks came hours after he posted a statement at midnight explaining why the PA intends to withdraw from the Government of National Unity.
Kunene’s Return to Council
Kunene is set to be sworn in as a councillor again on Friday, two months after resigning amid controversy over his presence during a police operation in Sandton. McKenzie has made it clear that his decision hinges on Kunene’s return to the Johannesburg mayoral committee, warning that failure to reinstate him will force the PA to pull out of the coalition arrangement.
A Showdown With the EFF
The dispute comes amid ongoing tussles with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) over the transport portfolio in Johannesburg. McKenzie accused EFF leader Julius Malema of trying to dictate terms and said the PA would not bow to such pressure.
By threatening to leave Cabinet, McKenzie has raised the stakes in coalition negotiations, signalling that the PA’s participation in both local and national governance is contingent on what happens in Johannesburg in the coming days.
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