Kenny Kunene resigns
Kenny Kunene has officially resigned from his position as a Proportional Representation councillor in the City of Johannesburg.
His resignation comes shortly after he was spotted outside the Sandton home of Katiso “KT” Molefe, who was arrested for allegedly ordering the murder of DJ Sumbody and another man, Armand Swart.
In a letter dated Friday, Kunene informed the City Speaker that he would be vacating his post with immediate effect and would no longer serve on the mayoral committee in charge of transport.
“I am stepping aside from public life for a period while my party satisfies itself as to certain allegations that have been raised against me, which are unfounded. But I have nevertheless agreed it would be in the public interest for me to await the clearing of my name before considering a return to public service and duty,” he wrote.
Kunene explained that his presence at Molefe’s residence was purely professional, claiming he was arranging a media interview for his online platform when law enforcement arrived to make the arrest.
His political party, the Patriotic Alliance (PA), suspended him on Friday, pending a full investigation.
Party leader Gayton McKenzie defended Kunene’s integrity but emphasized the need for transparency.
“I believe Kenny 100%. I can’t expect everyone to believe him, hence we are launching a full investigation to prove what we know, which is that he is innocent,” McKenzie said.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has seized on the situation, renewing calls for thorough probes into Kunene’s former portfolios.
DA caucus leader Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku has urged the city’s mayor to investigate all procurement and contract processes linked to the Johannesburg Roads Agency, the Metropolitan Trading Company, and the Lilian Ngoyi street project.
The DA has demanded a formal response within seven days.
Despite his abrupt exit, Kunene expressed pride in his time in office, saying: “I believe I have always committed myself to serve the residents of Johannesburg with vigour, authenticity, and vision. I worked to be a force for good, championing accessible transport and confronting inefficiencies.”
He added that his commitment to the mission of the Patriotic Alliance remains unwavering, even as he steps out of the spotlight, for now.