McKenzie had to protect PA’s image by suspending Kunene: Analyst

Johannesburg Roads and Transport MMC, Kenny Kunene leads the War on Potholes Campaign on July 11, 2025.

Political Analyst Dr. Levy Ndou says the Patriotic Alliance (PA) President Gayton McKenzie had to protect the party’s image when he took action against his deputy Kenny Kunene.

McKenzie has confirmed placing Kunene on a one-month suspension following Kunene’s alleged association with a murder suspect.

Katiso “KT” Molefe is linked to the murder of musician DJ Sumbody.

During his suspension, Kunene will neither represent the PA on the Johannesburg Mayoral Committee on Transport nor take part in party activities.

Ndou says McKenzie is in a difficult position considering the relationship he has with Kunene outside politics.

He says, “Political parties in South Africa are struggling about issues legitimacy, they are struggling because citizens and ordinary voters do not trust politicians, and what they try to do all the time is to build that reputation that ordinary citizens would easily associate with these parties and trust them.”

“So when the leaders are implicated or found in a compromising situation like Kunene the parties have to act in order to protect their own image,” Ndou adds.