{
  "id": 8915998,
  "title": "McKenzie backs Kunene for Joburg, questions what Zille can offer",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/mckenzie-backs-kunene-for-joburg-questions-what-zille-can-offer",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-21T12:19:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/news/politics/2026-09-21-mckenzie-backs-kunene-for-joburg-questions-what-zille-can-offer/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie has thrown his support behind Kenny Kunene as the candidate to become Johannesburg's mayor. McKenzie described Kunene as a \"ruffian\" and argued that he was the best person to tackle crime in the city. He dismissed Democratic Alliance federal chair Helen Zille and questioned what she could do to address Johannesburg's problems. McKenzie also criticized Zille for not delivering on her promises to Soweto communities in the Western Cape, comparing her performance to that of elderly individuals in retirement homes. He suggested that Zille should focus on her own affairs rather than attempting to lead Johannesburg. McKenzie questioned why Zille had not addressed similar issues in other Cape communities such as Mitchells Plain, Bellville, Valhalla Park, and Kraaifontein. He stated that the Patriotic Alliance was willing to work with other parties if it meant they could implement their priorities, including job creation, improving people's lives, and providing access to clean water. McKenzie indicated that the Patriotic Alliance expected to win enough support in Johannesburg to avoid a coalition involving 10 parties, but not necessarily an outright majority. He also criticized both the Democratic Alliance and Freedom Front Plus for refusing to work with the MK Party, accusing them of displaying white supremacy. McKenzie anticipated a potential coalition involving the ANC, EFF, IFP, Patriotic Alliance, and MK Party. He dismissed the significance of opinion polls, claiming that they had previously underestimated the PA's support. McKenzie acknowledged that the ANC still had support, but maintained that Kunene would ultimately become Johannesburg's mayor. He noted that some business leaders preferred to retain access to cheap labor provided by undocumented migrants, and that the Patriotic Alliance's presence in government had influenced the government's stance on the issue. McKenzie expressed a firm stance, stating that people advocating for undocumented migrants to remain in South Africa did not face the same challenges regarding housing and schooling as those who wished for their departure. He added that the PA had influenced government policy on undocumented migrants, firmly stating that they must be removed under the leadership of Kenny Kunene.",
  "summary": "Gayton McKenzie has backed Kenny Kunene for Johannesburg mayor, criticised Helen Zille and said he expects a coalition involving the ANC, EFF, IFP, PA and MK Party.",
  "key_points": [
    "McKenzie supports Kunene for Johannesburg mayor.",
    "Criticizes Helen Zille's ability to address city's issues.",
    "Advocates for removal of undocumented migrants under Kunene's leadership."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}