Latest news with #McKenzie
Daily Maverick
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
‘He would never get involved with murders,' says Gayton McKenzie after suspending Kenny Kunene
Now placed on a month's leave over alleged ties to an accused criminal mastermind, Kenny Kunene has spoken out about the 'dramatic' arrest, but questions remain about the purpose of the meeting and the identity of the unnamed 'young journalist' he was accompanying. Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie says the decision to place his second in command, Kenny Kunene, on a month's suspension amid an internal investigation over links to an alleged criminal mastermind is the hardest decision he has made in his life. McKenzie announced the decision during a Facebook Live session on Tuesday evening, 22 July, hours after police found the Johannesburg mayoral committee member (MMC) for transport at the Sandton house of murder accused Katiso 'KT' Molefe. Molefe was arrested in connection with the killing of Oupa Sefoka, popularly known as DJ Sumbody, in a 2022 drive-by shooting in Woodmead, Johannesburg. He died alongside his bodyguard after the vehicle they were travelling in was peppered with bullets. He is also accused of the killing of Armand Swart, a Vereeniging engineer who was murdered after his company reportedly raised concerns about price gouging in a Transnet tender, according to police. 'Kenny Kunene will be investigated, and I am going to tell you who is going to investigate him – lawyers of good character. And while he's being investigated, I'm going to remove him from being an MMC,' McKenzie said. 'I'm also going to tell him to stand back from politics for one month until the investigation is done. That's the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life. McKenzie took the decision to launch an investigation despite saying 'I believe Kenny 100%', raising concerns about the credibility of the process. He said would make the investigation's findings public. In a social media post, McKenzie wrote: 'I can't expect everyone to believe him, hence we are launching a full investigation to prove what we know, which is that he is innocent.' Kunene was appointed MMC in the City of Gold in February 2023 and has also acted as the city's mayor, filling in for both former mayor Kabelo Gwamanda and current mayor Dada Morero. Despite his short tenure, he positioned himself as a proactive leader by conducting site visits to depots, roadworks and bus infrastructure hubs, and leading raids on hijacked buildings and illegal connections, often a thorny issue. His past includes a criminal conviction. In 1997, he was sentenced to six years in prison for fraud after being found guilty of running a Ponzi scheme. At the time, he worked as an English teacher but became involved in criminal activity while selling alcohol after hours. 'Dramatic' arrest Speaking to SABC News about the visit to Molefe's home, it would appear that he went in his capacity as the owner of online publication African News Global. Kunene told the broadcaster he was in the company of an unmanned person who had arranged the meeting with Molefe who claimed he had never met or interacted with him before. They were with an unnamed journalist who was set to conduct an exclusive interview with Molefe. 'We are not friends. I think if you look at my online newspaper, it hasn't been that active and I decided to put together some young people that can run with it, that are interested in the media space, to resuscitate it, obviously, and its own tradition. It has always focused on exclusive stories…' Molefe's arrest took place within seconds of the trio arriving on the premises. They were in the driveway and were yet to enter the house. Kunene described the scene as 'dramatic' as police kicked the gate, having showed up with rifles and V-Class vehicles. Upon establishing that Molefe was the owner of the house, he was handcuffed while Kunene was being interrogated about their relationship. 'The police asked me if I had a number for Mr Molefe and I told them I don't, they can take my phone and search it. They asked how I got here, and I said the person I came with had sent me the address, and I showed it to them on my phone,' Kunene said. McKenzie has stood by Kunene, who he said was not just a friend of his but a brother, and godfather of his children who would never associate with murderers. 'I know Kenny Kunene. People think he's my friend but he's not. He was my friend, but he went past that and became a brother I never had. He's the one person who made me change my life in jail. He's the godfather of my children. I'm the godfather of his children. 'He would never get involved with murders. That's not him. He's a good man. He would never hurt a fly; he's not a violent person. I know he's innocent,' he said on Facebook Live. Opposition calls for action The DA in Johannesburg has since called on Morero to remove Kunene from his post as MMC permanently, saying a paid month-long day holiday was not enough. 'Hanging out with suspected murderers and bringing the entire executive into disrepute is punishable, and Morero must act,' said Belinda Kayser-Echeozonjoku. Kayser-Echeozonjoku also raised questions about McKenzie's investigation. 'Unfortunately for McKenzie, we do not have faith in his so-called internal investigation. Especially not as he has already made his belief in Kunene's innocence so clear.' ActionSA echoed similar sentiments, adding that public representatives ought to uphold the highest standards of integrity both in their official capacity and in private conduct. 'When such standards are brought into question, the legitimacy and credibility of the broader administration are inevitably placed at risk,' said Lebo Mokoka, the party's regional secretary. On the decision to place Kunene on a 30-day leave of absence from party activities and to relieve him of his duties on the mayoral committee, the party said: 'This is a necessary step. However, any conduct that undermines public confidence in the City's leadership must be confronted with full transparency and accountability.' DM
The Advertiser
15 hours ago
- Climate
- The Advertiser
Climate warning turns up heat on efforts to net zero
Capital cities across Australia could face scorching temperatures exceeding 50C alongside a surge in extreme fire days unless the nation urgently slashes climate pollution and adopts a strong 2035 emissions target, the Climate Council warns. The independent climate science organisation finds climate change is accelerating faster than previously predicted, and global efforts to combat it are falling dangerously short. The Climate Council's Stronger Target, Safer Future report published on Wednesday calls for Australia to cut climate pollution by 75 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and reach net zero by 2035. Chief executive Amanda McKenzie told AAP the federal government needed to step up and tackle the crisis when delivering its 2035 targets in the coming months. A weak climate target was not a passive choice, she said. "We found the weaker the target, the more risk of damage and disaster. We wanted to emphasise that if you're advocating for weak targets, that is an active commitment to greater global disruption and damage," Ms McKenzie said. "Those who advocate for weak targets must articulate clearly their costed plans to support, relocate or protect the Australian community through unprecedented social and economic breakdown." The report revealed that Australia has already warmed by an average of 1.51C since national records began in 1910. If global temperatures rise by 3C, the country would become unrecognisable after suffering catastrophic impacts. Days reaching 50C could be common in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne and the number of extreme fire days could double. A one-metre rise in sea levels, which is possible by the end of the century could put 160,000 to 250,000 properties at risk of coastal flooding. "The combination of rising sea levels and increasingly intense low-pressure systems and cyclones greatly increases the damage from storm surges, inundation and coastal erosion," the report says. "Extreme heat, bushfires and severe storms put mounting pressure on urban infrastructure and dwellings, rendering many properties and businesses uninsurable." The report reveals strong targets are essential to protect Australians from worsening climate harm, open economic opportunities in clean industries, and enhance security relationships in the region. It noted any target set lower than this raises the level of risk for families, community, economy and national security. Australia also faces a staggering $4.2 trillion economic hit over the next 50 years if climate continues unchecked, the report found. The federal government will set an "ambitious and achievable" 2035 emissions reduction target and commit to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with its Net Zero Plan due in late-2025. The pledge aligns with the Paris agreement, which Australia and 195 other parties adopted in 2015, which aims to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C and less than 2C. Capital cities across Australia could face scorching temperatures exceeding 50C alongside a surge in extreme fire days unless the nation urgently slashes climate pollution and adopts a strong 2035 emissions target, the Climate Council warns. The independent climate science organisation finds climate change is accelerating faster than previously predicted, and global efforts to combat it are falling dangerously short. The Climate Council's Stronger Target, Safer Future report published on Wednesday calls for Australia to cut climate pollution by 75 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and reach net zero by 2035. Chief executive Amanda McKenzie told AAP the federal government needed to step up and tackle the crisis when delivering its 2035 targets in the coming months. A weak climate target was not a passive choice, she said. "We found the weaker the target, the more risk of damage and disaster. We wanted to emphasise that if you're advocating for weak targets, that is an active commitment to greater global disruption and damage," Ms McKenzie said. "Those who advocate for weak targets must articulate clearly their costed plans to support, relocate or protect the Australian community through unprecedented social and economic breakdown." The report revealed that Australia has already warmed by an average of 1.51C since national records began in 1910. If global temperatures rise by 3C, the country would become unrecognisable after suffering catastrophic impacts. Days reaching 50C could be common in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne and the number of extreme fire days could double. A one-metre rise in sea levels, which is possible by the end of the century could put 160,000 to 250,000 properties at risk of coastal flooding. "The combination of rising sea levels and increasingly intense low-pressure systems and cyclones greatly increases the damage from storm surges, inundation and coastal erosion," the report says. "Extreme heat, bushfires and severe storms put mounting pressure on urban infrastructure and dwellings, rendering many properties and businesses uninsurable." The report reveals strong targets are essential to protect Australians from worsening climate harm, open economic opportunities in clean industries, and enhance security relationships in the region. It noted any target set lower than this raises the level of risk for families, community, economy and national security. Australia also faces a staggering $4.2 trillion economic hit over the next 50 years if climate continues unchecked, the report found. The federal government will set an "ambitious and achievable" 2035 emissions reduction target and commit to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with its Net Zero Plan due in late-2025. The pledge aligns with the Paris agreement, which Australia and 195 other parties adopted in 2015, which aims to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C and less than 2C. Capital cities across Australia could face scorching temperatures exceeding 50C alongside a surge in extreme fire days unless the nation urgently slashes climate pollution and adopts a strong 2035 emissions target, the Climate Council warns. The independent climate science organisation finds climate change is accelerating faster than previously predicted, and global efforts to combat it are falling dangerously short. The Climate Council's Stronger Target, Safer Future report published on Wednesday calls for Australia to cut climate pollution by 75 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and reach net zero by 2035. Chief executive Amanda McKenzie told AAP the federal government needed to step up and tackle the crisis when delivering its 2035 targets in the coming months. A weak climate target was not a passive choice, she said. "We found the weaker the target, the more risk of damage and disaster. We wanted to emphasise that if you're advocating for weak targets, that is an active commitment to greater global disruption and damage," Ms McKenzie said. "Those who advocate for weak targets must articulate clearly their costed plans to support, relocate or protect the Australian community through unprecedented social and economic breakdown." The report revealed that Australia has already warmed by an average of 1.51C since national records began in 1910. If global temperatures rise by 3C, the country would become unrecognisable after suffering catastrophic impacts. Days reaching 50C could be common in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne and the number of extreme fire days could double. A one-metre rise in sea levels, which is possible by the end of the century could put 160,000 to 250,000 properties at risk of coastal flooding. "The combination of rising sea levels and increasingly intense low-pressure systems and cyclones greatly increases the damage from storm surges, inundation and coastal erosion," the report says. "Extreme heat, bushfires and severe storms put mounting pressure on urban infrastructure and dwellings, rendering many properties and businesses uninsurable." The report reveals strong targets are essential to protect Australians from worsening climate harm, open economic opportunities in clean industries, and enhance security relationships in the region. It noted any target set lower than this raises the level of risk for families, community, economy and national security. Australia also faces a staggering $4.2 trillion economic hit over the next 50 years if climate continues unchecked, the report found. The federal government will set an "ambitious and achievable" 2035 emissions reduction target and commit to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with its Net Zero Plan due in late-2025. The pledge aligns with the Paris agreement, which Australia and 195 other parties adopted in 2015, which aims to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C and less than 2C. Capital cities across Australia could face scorching temperatures exceeding 50C alongside a surge in extreme fire days unless the nation urgently slashes climate pollution and adopts a strong 2035 emissions target, the Climate Council warns. The independent climate science organisation finds climate change is accelerating faster than previously predicted, and global efforts to combat it are falling dangerously short. The Climate Council's Stronger Target, Safer Future report published on Wednesday calls for Australia to cut climate pollution by 75 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and reach net zero by 2035. Chief executive Amanda McKenzie told AAP the federal government needed to step up and tackle the crisis when delivering its 2035 targets in the coming months. A weak climate target was not a passive choice, she said. "We found the weaker the target, the more risk of damage and disaster. We wanted to emphasise that if you're advocating for weak targets, that is an active commitment to greater global disruption and damage," Ms McKenzie said. "Those who advocate for weak targets must articulate clearly their costed plans to support, relocate or protect the Australian community through unprecedented social and economic breakdown." The report revealed that Australia has already warmed by an average of 1.51C since national records began in 1910. If global temperatures rise by 3C, the country would become unrecognisable after suffering catastrophic impacts. Days reaching 50C could be common in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne and the number of extreme fire days could double. A one-metre rise in sea levels, which is possible by the end of the century could put 160,000 to 250,000 properties at risk of coastal flooding. "The combination of rising sea levels and increasingly intense low-pressure systems and cyclones greatly increases the damage from storm surges, inundation and coastal erosion," the report says. "Extreme heat, bushfires and severe storms put mounting pressure on urban infrastructure and dwellings, rendering many properties and businesses uninsurable." The report reveals strong targets are essential to protect Australians from worsening climate harm, open economic opportunities in clean industries, and enhance security relationships in the region. It noted any target set lower than this raises the level of risk for families, community, economy and national security. Australia also faces a staggering $4.2 trillion economic hit over the next 50 years if climate continues unchecked, the report found. The federal government will set an "ambitious and achievable" 2035 emissions reduction target and commit to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with its Net Zero Plan due in late-2025. The pledge aligns with the Paris agreement, which Australia and 195 other parties adopted in 2015, which aims to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C and less than 2C.
West Australian
19 hours ago
- Climate
- West Australian
Climate warning turns up heat on efforts to net zero
Capital cities across Australia could face scorching temperatures exceeding 50C alongside a surge in extreme fire days unless the nation urgently slashes climate pollution and adopts a strong 2035 emissions target, the Climate Council warns. The independent climate science organisation finds climate change is accelerating faster than previously predicted, and global efforts to combat it are falling dangerously short. The Climate Council's Stronger Target, Safer Future report published on Wednesday calls for Australia to cut climate pollution by 75 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and reach net zero by 2035. Chief executive Amanda McKenzie told AAP the federal government needed to step up and tackle the crisis when delivering its 2035 targets in the coming months. A weak climate target was not a passive choice, she said. "We found the weaker the target, the more risk of damage and disaster. We wanted to emphasise that if you're advocating for weak targets, that is an active commitment to greater global disruption and damage," Ms McKenzie said. "Those who advocate for weak targets must articulate clearly their costed plans to support, relocate or protect the Australian community through unprecedented social and economic breakdown." The report revealed that Australia has already warmed by an average of 1.51C since national records began in 1910. If global temperatures rise by 3C, the country would become unrecognisable after suffering catastrophic impacts. Days reaching 50C could be common in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne and the number of extreme fire days could double. A one-metre rise in sea levels, which is possible by the end of the century could put 160,000 to 250,000 properties at risk of coastal flooding. "The combination of rising sea levels and increasingly intense low-pressure systems and cyclones greatly increases the damage from storm surges, inundation and coastal erosion," the report says. "Extreme heat, bushfires and severe storms put mounting pressure on urban infrastructure and dwellings, rendering many properties and businesses uninsurable." The report reveals strong targets are essential to protect Australians from worsening climate harm, open economic opportunities in clean industries, and enhance security relationships in the region. It noted any target set lower than this raises the level of risk for families, community, economy and national security. Australia also faces a staggering $4.2 trillion economic hit over the next 50 years if climate continues unchecked, the report found. The federal government will set an "ambitious and achievable" 2035 emissions reduction target and commit to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with its Net Zero Plan due in late-2025. The pledge aligns with the Paris agreement, which Australia and 195 other parties adopted in 2015, which aims to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C and less than 2C.
Perth Now
19 hours ago
- Climate
- Perth Now
Climate warning turns up heat on efforts to net zero
Capital cities across Australia could face scorching temperatures exceeding 50C alongside a surge in extreme fire days unless the nation urgently slashes climate pollution and adopts a strong 2035 emissions target, the Climate Council warns. The independent climate science organisation finds climate change is accelerating faster than previously predicted, and global efforts to combat it are falling dangerously short. The Climate Council's Stronger Target, Safer Future report published on Wednesday calls for Australia to cut climate pollution by 75 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and reach net zero by 2035. Chief executive Amanda McKenzie told AAP the federal government needed to step up and tackle the crisis when delivering its 2035 targets in the coming months. A weak climate target was not a passive choice, she said. "We found the weaker the target, the more risk of damage and disaster. We wanted to emphasise that if you're advocating for weak targets, that is an active commitment to greater global disruption and damage," Ms McKenzie said. "Those who advocate for weak targets must articulate clearly their costed plans to support, relocate or protect the Australian community through unprecedented social and economic breakdown." The report revealed that Australia has already warmed by an average of 1.51C since national records began in 1910. If global temperatures rise by 3C, the country would become unrecognisable after suffering catastrophic impacts. Days reaching 50C could be common in cities such as Sydney and Melbourne and the number of extreme fire days could double. A one-metre rise in sea levels, which is possible by the end of the century could put 160,000 to 250,000 properties at risk of coastal flooding. "The combination of rising sea levels and increasingly intense low-pressure systems and cyclones greatly increases the damage from storm surges, inundation and coastal erosion," the report says. "Extreme heat, bushfires and severe storms put mounting pressure on urban infrastructure and dwellings, rendering many properties and businesses uninsurable." The report reveals strong targets are essential to protect Australians from worsening climate harm, open economic opportunities in clean industries, and enhance security relationships in the region. It noted any target set lower than this raises the level of risk for families, community, economy and national security. Australia also faces a staggering $4.2 trillion economic hit over the next 50 years if climate continues unchecked, the report found. The federal government will set an "ambitious and achievable" 2035 emissions reduction target and commit to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with its Net Zero Plan due in late-2025. The pledge aligns with the Paris agreement, which Australia and 195 other parties adopted in 2015, which aims to limit global temperature rises to 1.5C and less than 2C.
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Low food price inflation cutting into profits for Wicklow farmers and producers
Ms McKenzie, an organic sheep farmer from Redcross, has weighed in on the current debate about recent food price increases, which IFA president Francie Gorman has said should be viewed in the context of those prices increasing by just 12pc over the last 15 years, while the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has gone up over 30pc, and the cost of electricity by 124pc, over the same period. Echoing IFA assertions that food prices have been suppressed for the last two decades, Ms McKenzie said that the topic comes up at all IFA meetings she attends, adding that the combination of comparatively low food price increases and rising costs to produce food has resulted in a 'worrying time within the industry'. 'Unlike other products in the Consumer Price Index, food prices haven't increased over the years, and, as farmers, we're very worried about that,' she said. 'Food hasn't gone up at the same rate as other products, 12pc over the last 15 years. But in comparison, the Consumer Price Index of other things is up 30pc, and electricity has gone up by 124pc, which is crazy. 'That makes it an uneven playing field if the price of what we produce doesn't go up at the same rate of inflation. 'We're also consumers. We go shopping and see the price of food going up. Then we look at the price we get for what we produce, and it doesn't necessarily go up, while all our costs do. The price of doing business and producing our lamb and our tillage is more and more expensive. 'It's all cutting into any kind of profit that could be made. The corn might already be in the ground, and needs to be combined, but are you combining a crop that's not worth anything by the time you get it for sale?' Highlighting how average farm incomes were just under €36,000 in 2024, while the average weekly earnings, annualised, come to over €53,000 across other sectors, Ms McKenzie, who has agri-tourism shepherd's huts on her farm, explained how Wicklow farmers and food producers do their utmost to increase their margins through diversification. 'We're a mighty little county, and we have good tillage ground, good mountain lambs coming off the hill,' she continued. 'We're very diverse in our agricultural output, so food prices affect a broad section of the county. 'In saying all of that, I think you have to caveat that with the fact that in Wicklow, we're very good at diversifying. All of us are trying to do something else, whether that be agritourism or whatever. 'The Tinahely show is the perfect example of that great crossover of what Wicklow can produce and the extra bit that we do to push up the margins.'
