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Kenny Kunene Biography

Basic Information

NickName: Kenny Kunene or Sushi King
Real Name: Kenneth Kunene
Occupation: Politician, Businessman, Motivational Speaker, Reality Star
Date Of Birth/Age: 21 October 1970
Place of Birth: Odendaalsrus, South Africa
Gender: Male
Nationality: South African
Marital Status: Mathato Kunene (div. 2012)

Nonkululeko Whitney Mhlanga, (m. 2017)

Education: Vista University (now Central University of Technology)

Biography

Kenneth Kunene, known professionally as Kenny Kunene, is a South African ex-convict, businessman, motivational speaker, and former Secretary-General of the Patriotic Alliance. Kunene opened a shebeen where he sold alcohol after work while working as a high school English teacher. He also began engaging in criminal activities, including robberies and fraud. He was convicted of running a Ponzi scheme in 1997. After being found guilty, he served six years behind bars.

Serving Johannesburg with a Blend of Passion and Controversy

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SEPTEMBER 06 2017. Kenny Kunene is lucky to have escaped unharmed after the BMW 125i he was driving was riddled with bullets on Tuesday night, Pic Veli Nhlapo/Sowetan.

From Business to Politics: The Evolving Journey of MMC Kenny Kunene

Kenny Kunene, the Deputy President of the Patriotic Alliance and current MMC (Member of the Mayoral Committee) for Transport in the City of Johannesburg, has been a focal point in recent local news. Known for his vibrant personality and varied career from business entrepreneur to political figure, Kunene’s journey through South African public life has been as colorful as it has been contentious.

Recent Developments

In his latest political role, Kunene has taken an active stance on urban transport issues, facing the challenges head-on. His recent activities have included opening a criminal case against three DA councillors in the City of Johannesburg, whom he accuses of leaking his personal information, as reported by several news outlets, including The Citizen and African News Global.Kenny Kunene Biography 3

Emotional Moments and Public Spats

Kunene’s passion for his work was palpably evident when he broke down during the relaunch of a city service, a moment captured and shared on social media platforms. His public emotional display highlighted his commitment to improving the city’s transport system. However, his tenure has not been without controversy; Kunene has been involved in public disputes with fellow MMCs, which have been described by City of Joburg Speaker Colleen Makhubele as “disgraceful” and “embarrassing.”

Kunene has called for amendments to property law, reflecting on the issues of hijacked buildings in Johannesburg’s CBD. His stance indicates a broader perspective on urban management and the need for legislative changes to tackle the city’s systemic challenges.

A Figure of Interest

As a public figure, Kenny Kunene’s activities continue to draw interest. Whether addressing the media or interacting with the community, he remains a prominent and sometimes divisive figure in Johannesburg’s political landscape.

Looking Forward

While there are no recent reports of further developments or statements from Kunene, the city and its residents keenly watch his actions as MMC for Transport. His role in shaping the city’s policies and his colorful approach to politics ensures that Kenny Kunene remains a newsworthy figure within South Africa’s dynamic political scene.

Age

Kenny Kunene was born on October 21, 2023, in Odendaalsrus, South Africa. He was raised by his mother (who served as an evangelist and faith healer) and his grandparents. At the time, his grandmother, a midwife, served as the family’s sole breadwinner. Kenny celebrated his 52nd birthday on October 21, 2022.

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Minister

Kenny Kunene is the deputy president of the Patriotic Alliance.

In February 2023, Kenny Kunene was sworn in as Johannesburg’s Transport MMC. While speaking after the swearing-in, Kunene said his criminal record would not get in the way of his role as an executive member. He also assured that he could be trusted with the city’s public coffers. He said that service delivery was the top priority for the city’s new mayoral committee

In May 2023, he was appointed the City’s acting mayor for two days while Kabelo Gwamanda was out of town. He said, ”

It’s not a difficult task because I am part of the mayoral committee, and we work well with the mayor. I understand the needs that are there – we have mayoral committees. So, I am just warming up the seat until the honourable mayor is back.”

Net Worth

The current estimate of Kenny Kunene’s net worth is unknown. However, in 2019, it was reported that Kenny was worth an estimated R260 million. He has made his wealth from several successful businesses, including his record label, YooKoo Ride (South Africa’s Uber App), and more. He also earns money as a politician in South Africa. Kenny owns several properties in the country.

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Political Party

Kenny Kunene was a supporter of the African National Congress until 2013. He wrote an open letter to President Jacob Zuma criticizing his leadership. In July 2013, he briefly joined the Economic Freedom Fighters as a high-profile member of the organization’s “Central Command Team.” He resigned from the organization in August of the same year. Three months later, Kunene became the Secretary-General of the newly formed political party, Patriotic Alliance. He exited the party in 2014 after the national and provincial elections.

Wife

Kenny Kunene has been married two times. His first wife was named Mathato Kunene. The couple had kids and divorced in 2012. After their divorce, Kenny began dating other women. He dated radio personality Zama Ngcobo and actress Sophie Ndaba. There are reports that he dated the woman while married to his first wife, Mathato.

He later entered a long-term relationship with Nonkululeko Whitney Mhlanga. In 2017, news broke that they were getting married after four years together. The couple welcomed two children together. Kenny lives with Nonku and her kids, while his ex-wife cares for his other children.

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Children

Kenny Kunene is a proud father of five children, his ex-wife Mathato’s kids, and two more with his wife Nonkululeko Whitney Mhlanga since their marriage in 2017. His children are Mpho, Thato, Mosa, Remo, and Reemona. Kenny lives in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa, with his wife and two of their children. His other kids live with their mother.

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House

Kenny Kunene owns a mansion in Sandton, Johannesburg.

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Cars

Kenny Kunene’s Opulent Fleet Reflects His Multi-Million Rand Fortune. The “Sushi King’s” Enviable Car Collection Showcases Luxury and Performance.

Kenny Kunene, often dubbed the “Sushi King,” is not only known for his varied career as a politician, businessman, and ex-convict but also for his extravagant lifestyle, which includes a lavish car collection worth marveling at. With a reported net worth of R260 million, Kunene’s garage houses some of the world’s most sought-after vehicles, symbolizing his wealth and love for luxury.

The Car Enthusiast’s Dream

Kunene’s impressive collection includes top-tier models such as the 911 Porsche Carrera and the GTS Porsche Cayenne, both epitomes of German engineering excellence and luxury. The fleet also boasts a BMW 1 Series, which combines comfort and performance, appealing to connoisseurs of the brand.

The Showstopper

Perhaps the most eye-catching of Kunene’s automotive possessions is the Lamborghini Gallardo Hybrid. The businessman made a grand entrance in this high-performance hybrid vehicle during a Patriotic Alliance motorcade in Eldorado Park, Gauteng in May. The Gallardo, known for its speed and sleek design, has been hybridized, suggesting Kunene’s pivot towards more environmentally conscious, yet still luxurious, vehicle options.

Luxury in Motion

The luxury cars in Kunene’s garage are more than just modes of transport; they are statements of success and symbols of the heights he has reached in his career. Each car, with its unique design and capabilities, tells a story of Kunene’s personal taste and his penchant for the finer things in life.

Kunene’s car collection is a testament to his wealth and status. As he continues to navigate his multifaceted career, his luxurious fleet remains a beacon of his success and the lavish lifestyle he leads. With his net worth at an impressive R260 million, Kenny Kunene’s name has become synonymous with opulence and the power of reinvention.

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