Latest news with #SoWhat:BigMoney
The South African
23-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
Partners in crime? Inside Gayton and Kenny Kunene's lucrative businesses
Gayton McKenzie has defended Kenny Kunene as 'innocent' after the latter was found at the home of KT Katiso Molefe, the alleged mastermind behind the murder of Oupa John Sefoka, also known as DJ Sumbody. The friends and business partners have come a long way after meeting at a Bloemfontein prison more than two decades ago. In 1997, Kenny Kunene – a qualified teacher – was convicted of running a Ponzi scheme and spent six years at the Grootvlei prison in Bloemfontein. During this time, he befriended Gayton McKenzie, who was serving time for armed robbery. The duo began hustling from behind bars by smuggling cash and food. Gayton and Kenny reunited after their release and vowed to go into business together. They initially sold the former's motivational book, The Choice , to schools around the country. Gayton McKenzie and Kenny Kunene's rise from rags to riches has largely been due to their ability to start and sell successful businesses for a profit. The duo was mentored by businessmen Greg James and Gavin Varejes, and soon, they started their mining business, Central Rand Gold. Their mining business extended to other African countries. The duo co-founded ZAR Empire Holdings, which had dealings in entertainment, property, and mining. The company established the publishing group, X-Concepts, which is behind Gayton's multiple memoirs, including The Hustler's Bible. They founded the ZAR nightclub franchise, a hotspot for many celebrities in the early 2000s. The pals also founded Rivonia On Deck, another popular entertainment venue. For those who don't know: Kenny Kunene, a convicted criminal in his own right, is Gayton McKenzie's right-hand man and long time partner in 'business' and politics. — A Political Economist (@politicaleconZA) July 23, 2025 According to Kenny Kunene, Gayton and himself also sold fish and chicken from their car boots, marketed tickets to motivational talks to corporate companies, and also became security advisors to other businesses and the public. 'I went from sleeping on the floor to sleeping on the top floor of fancy hotels. I did it all!', Kenny said in his reality TV show, So What: Big Money, Big Dreams. In 2013, Gayton McKenzie and Kenny Kunene cofounded the Patriotic Alliance. The political party was multiracial but particularly focused on serving the interests of the country's coloured communities. At the time, Gayton had 'poached' Kenny from the Economic Freedom Front (EFF), which he was a member of. He told Mail & Guardian at the time: 'I don't want to become a member of Parliament, nor does Kenny… want to work with the people on the ground.' Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
02-07-2025
- Business
- The South African
Prison to parliament: Kenny Kunene's qualifications revealed
Before making headlines as Joburg's acting executive mayor, cracking down on undocumented migrants, Kenny Kunene was once dubbed the 'Sushi King' who ate food off the naked bodies of beautiful models. He was also known as a convicted fraudster who befriended now Minister Gayton McKenzie in prison, where they later founded the Patriotic Alliance. Kenny has also lived a flashy lifestyle, been the star of his own reality TV show, and run a series of businesses and side hustles. But, what qualifications does the man helming Johannesburg have? In recent weeks, Kenny Kunene has had his hands full with being the acting executive mayor of Joburg. He has spent his time raiding derelict buildings, targeting illegal water and electricity connections in the city, as well as assisting in the arrests of undocumented migrants. As per the Patriotic Alliance's mandate on illegal foreigners, Kenny told reporters this week: 'We are putting them in vans so they can go to Lindela [Repatriation Centre] and go back to their countries He added: 'We are cleaning Johannesburg…we are dealing with tsotsis, we will run [after them'. Kenny Kunene graduated from Vista University, now the Central University of Technology, with a degree in education. He worked as an English and history teacher at a Klerskdorp school. During this time, he engaged in criminal activities including robbery and fraud. In 1997, he was convicted of running a Ponzi scheme and spent six years at a Bloemfontein prison, where he befriended Patriotic Alliance leader, Gayton McKenzie. Kenny Kunene is known for both politics and a flashy lifestyle. Images via Instagram: @kenny_kunene After their release, the reformed criminals went into business together, co-founding popular Johannesburg nightclub ZAR, which closed in 2013. The duo also co-owned Central Rand Gold Mine, which shit down in 2011. Apart from becoming the Patriotic Alliance deputy-president, the man dubbed the 'Sushi King' also had several other side hustles, including: Founding music label New Money Records. Founding Kusema Media Group, which produced news platforms, Weekly Xposé, and AfricaNews 24-7, later remanded Africa News Global. Creator of e-hailing app Yookoo Rides Working as a 'marketing and PR consultant', as well as a part-time DJ. Being the star of reality TV show, So What: Big Money, Big Dreams Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
