DA calls on Joburg mayor to fire MMC Kenny Kunene
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Johannesburg has urged mayor Dada Morero to act against the MMC for Transport Kenny Kunene and remove him from his post permanently.
The call comes as Kunene admitted that he was at the residence of Katiso 'KT' Molefe, one of the suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Amapiano artist and businessman Oupa 'DJ Sumbody' Sefoka in November 2022.
Kunene was present at Molefe's Sandton residence when he was arrested on Tuesday, 22 July. In several media interviews, Kunene explained that he was at Molefe's residence in Sandton, accompanying journalists who wanted to do an exclusive story [for his online newspaper] on Molefe.
ADVERTISEMENT
DA WANTS KENNY KUNENE TO BE AXED AS MMC
DA councillor in the City of Johannesburg, Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku said hanging out with suspected murderers and bringing the entire executive into disrepute is punishable, and Morero must act.
Kayser-Echeozonjoku said a paid, month-long holiday is not an option for Kunene.
'Nothing short of his unconditional removal will suffice, pending the outcome of both ethics and criminal investigations into his links to suspected murderers.
'Unfortunately for McKenzie, we do not have faith in his so-called internal investigation. Especially not as he has already made his belief in Kunene's innocence so clear,' she said.
GAYTON MCKENZIE SUSPENDS HIS DEPUTY FROM ALL PARTY ACTIVITIES
Following Kenny Kunene's TV interviews, Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie said he will place Kunene on special leave for 30 days pending an investigation.
'I will disclose who will investigate him, lawyers of good character. While he's being investigated I'm going to remove him from being an MMC.
ADVERTISEMENT
'I'm also going to tell him to stand back from politics for one month until the investigation is done. That's the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life. Acting against Kenny Kunene is the hardest thing I've ever had to do,' he said.
In response to McKenzie's announcement, the DA said the PA leader's social media proclamation that he will suspend Kunene as an MMC has absolutely no legal basis.
'His internal party-political nonsense has no place in the Johannesburg executive. We do not expect more from him, but the law does. Kenny must go, for the preservation of the Executive's stature and Johannesburg.'
DO YOU THINK DADA MORERO WOULD TAKE ACTION AGAINST KENNY KUNENE?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
15 minutes ago
- IOL News
Emma Powell resigns as the DA's international relations spokesperson
DA MP Emma Powell has resigned as spokesperson for International Relations after being accused of discrimination peddler to the US. Image: FILE Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Emma Powell has resigned from her role as the party's spokesperson on International Relations following allegations that she spread disinformation about the South African government during a visit to the United States. In a statement released on Monday, Powell said she had decided to step down after more than two years in the role, citing the personal and political toll of her work. 'Over the past two and a half years, I have traveled the world on behalf of my party, first as shadow minister and later as national spokesperson, speaking out against some of the most repressive and brutal regimes in the world,' Powell said. She claimed that her work defending South Africa's constitutional values on the global stage resulted in threats, intimidation, harassment, and illegal surveillance. 'Driven by my commitment to the DA's foundational principles, I accepted these risks as the unavoidable cost of standing up to and exposing DIRCO (Department of International Relations and Cooperation) and the ANC's relationships with authoritarian regimes,' she said. Powell said her resignation came at a time when she believed she had contributed as much as possible to the DA's international agenda, particularly in the Government of National Unity (GNU). 'In an environment that rewards expediency, truly principled leadership is rare and often costly,' she said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'We must each do what is possible to tip the world's axis toward freedom, but good leaders know when it is time to step back and allow others to carry the baton forward.' The DA confirmed her resignation in a separate statement, saying Powell had 'chosen' to step down. The party thanked her for her service and announced that she would soon be reassigned to a new portfolio. 'Powell remains a valued member of the DA caucus in Parliament, and we will soon announce her new portfolio allocation,' said DA national spokesperson Karabo Khakhau. The party also announced that Ryan Smith would take over as the new spokesperson on international relations and cooperation. Powell's resignation follows a controversial DA delegation trip to Washington, DC in March, which included MP Andrew Whitfield, a former deputy minister of trade, industry and competition. President Cyril Ramaphosa later fired Whitfield for taking the trip without informing him. The visit, according to the party, was aimed at strengthening relations between South Africa and the United States, and drew sharp criticism from the ANC-led government. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola expressed concern over the DA's actions, arguing that foreign policy matters are the constitutional prerogative of the executive. 'Africa's non-aligned stance and the advancement of our national interest remain central pillars of South Africa's foreign policy,' Lamola previously told IOL News. 'Our nation-building project cannot survive if the majority of our citizens remain in abject poverty.' Lamola criticised what he described as attempts to misrepresent South Africa's land reform efforts, particularly the Expropriation Bill, which has drawn international attention and criticism. He insisted the bill does not allow arbitrary land seizure. Tensions between the DA and the ANC further escalated after Powell claimed that Ramaphosa's envoy to the US, Mcebisi Jonas, had been denied entry and that the US had rejected his diplomatic credentials. However, the Presidency denied the claims. The DA, however, defended its US trip, stating the visit was intended to provide 'fact-based information' about South Africa's political and economic challenges. 'These discussions were aimed at ensuring that U.S. leaders receive accurate and fact-based information regarding South Africa's domestic landscape and the challenges our nation is currently navigating,' Powell said at the time. Powell also emphasised the importance of maintaining open diplomatic channels with Washington, particularly amid 'unnecessary provocations' and strained bilateral relations. IOL Politics
The South African
15 minutes ago
- The South African
Tiffany Meek's fate hangs in the balance as court hears closing arguments
Closing arguments in Tiffany Meek's formal bail hearing were presented on Monday, 28 July. Meek, who is accused of murdering her 11-year-old son, Jayden-Lee Meek, has been awaiting a decision on her bail application since Friday, 18 July. The Roodepoort Magistrate's Court heard final submissions from both the State and the defence. The State strongly opposed bail, arguing that Meek poses a flight risk due to her ability to work remotely. The prosecutor further noted that her alternative address in KwaZulu-Natal is unstable and claimed that her safety could be at risk if she were released. Meek appeared emotional and was seen weeping during the State's closing argument. Her defence, however, suggested that no evidence had been presented to substantiate claims that she intends to flee. The State prosecutor argued that all evidence found at the crime scene points to Meek as the perpetrator of her son's murder. 'Evidence is almost like a train on train tracks. It doesn't really choose where it goes. It's just directed in that very direction the tracks are designed,' he told the court. He further accused Meek of acting 'dubiously and deviously' since the outset of the investigation. Meek faces charges of murder, defeating the ends of justice, crimen injuria, and obstructing the course of justice. Jayden-Lee was murdered in May, and Meek was arrested earlier this month. The matter was adjourned to Tuesday, 29 July, for the magistrate to deliver a final decision. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Atlantis Rugby Match Cancelled – But Who's Really to Blame?
Discover the reasons behind the cancellation of the highly anticipated rugby match between Atlantis Secondary and Loughborough Grammar School, and delve into the broader implications of safety and governance in South Africa. Image: IOL / Ron AI On the June 24, 2025, I became aware that an international fixture game between my alma mater high school Atlantis Secondary (RSA) and Loughborough Grammar School (UK) on July 4, 2025 (in Atlantis) has been cancelled. The school's official communication cited two reasons for the game's cancellation. Firstly, they attribute it to British parents being concerned about their children's safety following comments made about Cape Town in the Oval Office, Washington DC. Secondly, they cite high crime statistics in Atlantis. The principal of Atlantis Secondary, an intellectually astute educator and former English teacher of mine, reiterated that there has been no gangster-related activity on school premises. Additionally, she noted the disappointment that the youth rugby team, who are undoubtedly talented, had this opportunity to play an international fixture taken away from them. Sentiments that I echo and share, especially given that Atlantis Secondary was so foundational in my education and I am linked to the United Kingdom through my postgraduate studies and doctoral work. A day later, on June 25, 2025, after the announcement by the school, the Democratic Alliance NCOP member on Security and Justice Nicholas Gotsell released a statement that necessitated my response in this letter. The DA representative echoes disappointment at the cancellation of the match, especially given that our rugby team has been excitedly and diligently preparing for this match. According to the DA, this match cancellation is an indictment on the Western Cape Provincial Police commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembisile Patekile for absconding on his constitutional mandate to ensure effective policing in the province. Gotsell accuses Patekile of, and I quote, 'turning a blind eye and presides over a SAPS that continuously misdirects its resources to the detriment of communities ravished by drug and gang wars and abuses his delegated authority as Police Commissioner to overturn the dismissal of criminals within the force.' He further states that he agrees Atlantis Secondary is not the problem (I too agree) and bemoans the fact that the young rugby team is collateral damage in 'a war they never chose to fight in'. The DA NCOP member concludes by saying he will submit parliamentary questions regarding concrete steps to address crime in Atlantis and gestures that the people of Atlantis deserve answers, safety and opportunity. I echo his conclusion, particularly given that I was raised in Atlantis and have been living here for the past two years as I have been writing up my doctoral dissertation (which coincidentally studies trans* and gender non-conforming people in Atlantis). All the days and nights that I have spent reading and writing have been laced with intermittent gunshots, multiple funerals and a general death-fear ambience that contours the streets of this town. Yet, I am not so easily fooled. For the past 10 years, I have devoted myself to understanding the inequality and violence that structure the lives of Black and Coloured people in the townships particularly. I am classically trained in sociology (UCT) and have completed an MSc in Africa and International Development at the University of Edinburgh. I thus write from a place of informed opinion, expert testimony if you will. My gripe with the entire fiasco stems from Gotsell's response in his press statement and in the spirit of speaking academic truth to lived experience facts I will detail my analysis and critique as summarily as possible. Firstly, I would like to call out the hypocrisy of the Democratic Alliance, a hypocrisy that is multifaceted. When South Africa made international news about the supposed 'white genocide' (which is categorically untrue), the Democratic Alliance was not exempt from criticism levelled against AfriForum and the likes where drumming up characterisations of South Africa internationally is concerned. While no evidence suggests that the DA made these claims, to my knowledge, their previous US visit, followed up by AfriForum and Solidariteit raises a sceptical eyebrow at minimum. The representation of Cape Town or South Africa as violent is a characterisation they have fuelled themselves with their dubious and subversive international relations with the United States (which undoubtedly is qualitatively comprised of enmeshed relations oscillating between 'white genocide' and expropriation legislation). At times, as other political commentators have noted, their party members worked against the diplomacy and international relations of the national government. So, if there is any characterisation of South Africa as an unredeemable violent state then they have had a hand in moulding such representation. Now of course, when Rupert commented that gang violence in the Western Cape, especially in the Cape Flats, he did not lie. We, those who live in the Cape Flats and townships of the much celebrated and highly unequal Cape Town, know of this violence. We witness it every day. It is our bodies, young and old, who lay dead in bushes or streets. Our lives are intimately destroyed by family members and friends with drug and substance abuse problems. No amount of words can qualitatively describe the experience of living here in such violence and seeing your governing party continuously developing the city centre and adjacent according to neoliberal (private) development. Which brings me to my second point. Much social science research, especially in sociology and criminology, has pointed out how police response to high crime especially gang-related violence, is an inadequate response and strategy. There are not enough SAPS guns, training or presence alone that will "end" gang-related violence or high crime. Our people need jobs, jobs with fair wages that can sustain them. Our residential areas need more leisure and recreation space, we need housing, and the townships created under the Group Areas Act need spatial reformation: better transport and economies. Our people need the Public Day hospital better much better resourced, hospital staff need to be adequately compensated and more healthcare infrastructure is needed. Drug addiction, substance-related care and support are needed to address the social and psychological dimensions of drug/substance addiction. Anyone who has studied how societies/development/governance functions (and who lives in these spaces which need reforming/support could give you these broad-stroke interventions. And while I know the convenient answer is to say "That's provincial/national's duty" we have been blessed with a GNU (sarcasm) and the DA has been official opposition for years! The answer to high crime or even gang-related crime is never to have more police action, the systemic (political/economic) and cultural processes that underline gang formation and related violence need addressing and this is not done solely by SAPS. Given this, it is important then, Gotsell, that we understand what is happening on the Cape Flats about how the City of Cape Town itself prioritises 'neoliberal development' and resources. Our city is one of the most unequal in the world and that inequality manifests and spatialises itself upon the metrics of apartheid spatial planning. I know you and your like disassociate the moment apartheid is mentioned (because apparently, we need to get over it now), and yet the factual evidence is irrefutable. The quality of life in the Mother city greatly differs across racial, gendered and class lines. The DA's continued denial of the structuring power of race in post-apartheid South Africa makes them particularly inept to govern over city and even countries that see worsening levels of inequality especially in relation to the metrics such as race. To add fuel to the fire, it is not only their denial of the structural power of race but their efforts to oppose measures which are geared towards creating a more equal society in South Africa. This is clear in, for example, their efforts to oppose new equality legislation. Let us be clear: the high crime, the violent nature of said crimes, and gang-related crimes in Atlantis and the Cape Flats and other townships surrounding the prosperous Mother city cannot be addressed with more police presence or better training. What social scientists have been saying for years is that the underlying socioeconomic and cultural factors such as unemployment, spatial injustice, lack of adequate housing, substance abuse etc., have to be addressed. This requires political will, knowledge and resources to transform societies seriously. Through your denial of post-apartheid racialised realities, continued pandering to (neo)liberal logic of development and preoccupation with legislatively fighting equality measures in court, you already lack the political will and knowledge. Yes, Atlantis wants answers and deserves safety and opportunities. So too do the rest of the cape flats and townships where many of us are relegated to a dismal quality of life while our city is continue lauded as the best city in the world. I look, hope, dream and work towards a future where people like me do not have opportunities like this taken away from them. Especially as a result of failed governance and structural poverty and inequality. Our communities need urgent and structural change, not political gimmicks such as that press release. To Atlantis Secondary and the rugby team who have had their match cancelled, I would say to continue doing the vital work you have been doing. I have certainly enjoyed immense growth supported by my high school and the tireless work those educators have done to holistically support me. The real injustice is the denial of a dignified quality of life and the opportunity of growth for those of us located at the periphery of Cape Town's wealth and in the aftertaste of Verwoerd's spatial apartheid. Brindley Fortuin ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
