Deputy president Paul Mashatile and Minister Gayton McKenzie. Picture: X
Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has announced the party’s immediate withdrawal from the ANC-run coalition government in Johannesburg and its intention to exit the national Government of National Unity (GNU).
Gayton cited frustration with Mayor Dada Morero for failing to reinstate PA deputy leader Kenny Kunene as transport MMC despite Kunene being cleared of wrongdoing after an independent inquiry into his visit to a murder suspect’s home.
He accused Morero of disrespecting the PA and neglecting communities such as Westbury, where residents have protested over prolonged water shortages.
“We want to be treated with respect,” McKenzie said while speaking to eNCA.
“We can’t be treated like that by Dada Morero. He’s got something against us, and we see it in how he treats the people of Westbury; he can’t even give our people water.”
[BREAKING NEWS] Patriotic Alliance confirms intention to withdraw from GNU. Leader Gayton Mckenzie to withdraw his party from all coalitions. More details on #eNCA #DStv403 #QuestionThinkAct pic.twitter.com/21isxoL5Wn
— eNCA (@eNCA) September 24, 2025
According to Times Live, The ANC’s Johannesburg spokesperson, Masilo Serekele, called the PA’s ultimatum “unnecessary,” saying the ANC would fulfil its coalition obligations but would not be pressured.
The ANC maintains Kunene resigned and must first be formally reinstated before matters can return to normal.
Despite serving as Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture in the GNU, McKenzie said he is willing to step down and “go back to the ground,” stressing the PA is “not here for positions.”
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
First published by African Insider
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