By Thulane Madalane
Johannesburg : Kenny Kunene has tendered his resignation from his position as the Proportional Representation Councillor for the Patriotic Alliance, effective immediately. This resignation coincides with an announcement from the Patriotic Alliance, which has placed Kunene in temporary suspension amid allegations of his connections to individuals involved in a murder syndicate.
In his resignation letter addressed to Executive Mayor Dada Morero, Kunene expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) responsible for transport. He highlighted the collaborative efforts during his tenure to improve the city and encouraged continued work towards the upliftment of communities. “I believe that together we made significant contributions to building and revitalizing our beautiful city,” Kunene wrote.
The resignation comes after the Patriotic Alliance leadership informed Kunene of suspicions raised against him that could compromise the party’s public image. This follows Kunene being found at the residence of Katiso “TK” Molefe, who faces murder charges related to the case of musician DJ Sumbody. Kunene’s presence at Molefe’s Sandton house coincides with a significant operation by the SAPS Political Killings Task Team and the Gauteng Organised Crime Detectives, which resulted in Molefe’s arrest along with three others at various locations in Gauteng.
In a letter from party President Gayton McKenzie to Secretary-General Chinelle Stevens, it was confirmed that Kunene had agreed to cooperate with an investigation conducted by a competent legal body. Until the investigation concludes, Kunene will refrain from any official party duties. “Until such time as he is fully cleared, he will not act and work in any official capacity in the party,” McKenzie noted in his correspondence.
This development raises questions about Kunene’s future within the Patriotic Alliance and his role in Johannesburg politics. Kenny Kunene’s resignation and subsequent suspension mark a significant moment in local government, emphasizing the challenges faced by politicians in the public eye. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what implications this will have for the Patriotic Alliance and Johannesburg’s political landscape.
The city’s administration and residents will undoubtedly be watching closely as this situation progresses.
