McKenzie Backs Kunene for Joburg Mayor, Questions Zille's Record
The Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has thrown his weight behind Kenny Kunene for the Johannesburg mayoralty, arguing that the city needs a firm hand to confront crime rather than a politician who stands back. His remarks came as he sharply questioned what Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Chair Helen Zille could offer the city, dismissing her candidacy as out of touch.
Speaking to the media during the PA's Johannesburg campaign, McKenzie said the city needed someone who would take the fight to criminals directly. “I'm saying the people of Joburg need a ruffian like Kenny Kunene to attack the criminals. Not someone who's going to stand back. So Kenny Kunene is the best person,” he said.
What did McKenzie say about Helen Zille?
McKenzie was blunt in his criticism of Zille, questioning her ability to address Johannesburg's problems. “And the worst one is Helen Zille. She must just join these other old people in the old age home,” he said, adding that she should focus on her own affairs rather than seeking to lead the country's economic hub.
He also challenged her record, asking why promises she was making to Soweto had not been fulfilled in communities she had previously overseen in the Western Cape. “Ask yourself one question about Helen Zille. The things she says she's going to do for Soweto, why has she not done them for Langa? Why has she not done them for Gugulethu? Why has she not done them for Khayelitsha?” McKenzie asked.
He extended the same line of questioning to Eldorado Park in Johannesburg, asking why similar issues had not been addressed in Mitchells Plain, Bellville, Valhalla Park, and Kraaifontein in the Cape.
What is the PA's strategy for the Johannesburg coalition?
McKenzie said the PA was prepared to work with other parties if it meant gaining the power to implement its priorities. “The PA will work with anybody that gives us power. Power to give jobs. Power to change people's lives. Power to bring clean water,” he said.
He noted that the PA was already working with the Freedom Front Plus and did not expect to win an outright majority in Johannesburg. Describing himself as a realist, he said the PA wanted enough support to avoid a coalition involving ten parties. “Let it be three parties,” he said.
McKenzie also criticised the DA and Freedom Front Plus for ruling out working with the MK Party. “I've seen these people, the Freedom Front Plus. It's just white supremacy of the DA and the Freedom Front Plus to say 'we will not work with MK'. We will not work with what? Who do they think they are?” he said.
He predicted a Johannesburg coalition involving the ANC, EFF, IFP, PA, and MK Party.
How does McKenzie view opinion polls and the ANC's support?
McKenzie dismissed the influence of opinion polls, saying they had previously underestimated the PA's support. “I don't believe in polls. Polls are for strippers,” he said.
He acknowledged that the ANC continued to hold support, noting that “The ANC has been winning by-elections. Whether we like it or not, the ANC still has support.” Despite this, he maintained that Kunene would become Johannesburg mayor.
What is the PA's stance on undocumented migrants?
McKenzie argued that people calling for undocumented migrants to remain in the country did not face the same pressures over housing and schooling as ordinary citizens. “The people that want illegal immigrants to stay, they have medical aid. They don't have housing problems. They don't compete with illegal foreigners for housing. They don't compete with illegal foreigners to get their kids into school. Our kids go to private school. Our kids go to private hospitals,” he said.
He suggested that some business leaders wanted to retain access to cheap labour provided by undocumented migrants.
McKenzie said the PA's presence in government had influenced the government's position on the issue. “We are inside. We've moved the needle. I'm not sitting there and smiling the whole time in Cabinet. I'm talking when it comes to illegal foreigners. I'm saying: Mabahambe, they must go. And under the leadership of Kenny Kunene, they will go, trust me,” he said.