Removing a Ramadan poster as part of a publicity stunt by Johannesburg MEC for Roads and Transport attracted major clap back on social media. Wednesday’s self-recorded video quickly led to damage control
Kenny Kunene, Joburg’s MMC for road and transport, is known for courting controversy.
His recording of himself removing a Ramadan greetings billboard on Sandton’s busy Winnie Mandela Drive is seen in the same light, seeking cheap publicity.
Watch video here: Kunene rips down Ramadan billboard
His latest stunt has now backfired badly as he is roundly condemned by fellow politicians, the Muslim leadership and social media commentators.
Kunene, deputy president of the Patriotic Alliance, started out as a humble teacher, soon branched out into running a shebeen and entering the world of crime, including involvement in robberies and fraud.
After serving six years in prison he got involved in business and opened the ZAR nightclub in Sandton where he held his 40th birthday party, famously eating sushi off the bodies of naked women.
He was temporarily suspended from the PA when he was found at the premises of notorious ‘tenderpreneur” Vusi Matlala’s residence during a police raid.
The backlash could hurt the PA’s support in the Muslim community in the upcoming local government elections with critics also highlighting the party’s support for Israel and Zionism.
- Listen to Kenny Kunene justify his actions, while Zunaid Moti and social media claps back.
“This story has resulted in a social media backlash from within the Muslim community, considering that Kenny Kunene and his party have been at the forefront of not only defending but also promoting Zionism and the genocide in Gaza,” said Moulana Ravat, deputy secretary general of the United Ulama Council of South Africa (UUCSA).
Ordinary South Africans shared their outrage on social media, with many questioning the focus on billboards while Johannesburg’s roads remain potholed. Kunene, as MEC for Roads, is seen to be responsible for fixing the roads.