Kenny Kunene is a well-known South African businessman and politician. Born on October 21, 1970, in the township of Orange Farm, Kunene has had an interesting and controversial career. He started as a businessman in the early 2000s, making a name for himself in the hospitality industry with his nightclubs and restaurants.
Kunene’s rise to fame was not without controversy. He was often in the news for his lavish lifestyle, which included throwing extravagant parties and splurging on luxury cars. However, he was also known for his philanthropic work, particularly in the education sector. In 2009, he made headlines when he served sushi on the body of a half-naked woman at his 40th birthday party, which sparked a national debate about cultural norms and objectification.
Despite the controversy, Kunene continued to be a prominent figure in South African politics, serving as a member of parliament for the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party from 2009 to 2014. In this article, we will delve deeper into Kenny Kunene’s biography, exploring his early life, rise to fame, controversies, and political career.
Image Credit: Instagram (@kenny_kunene )
Early Life and Education
Family Background
Kenny Kunene was born on 21 October 1971 in the township of Umlazi, Durban, South Africa. He grew up in a humble family and was the youngest of six siblings. His parents were both teachers, and they instilled in him a love for education and hard work. Kunene’s family was known for their strong Christian values, which greatly influenced his upbringing.
Educational Pursuits
Kunene attended primary school in Umlazi before moving to Johannesburg to further his education. He completed his high school education at Orlando High School in Soweto. After completing his matric, he enrolled at the University of Witwatersrand to study law. However, he dropped out during his second year due to financial constraints.
Despite the setback, Kunene continued to pursue his passion for education. He completed a diploma in Marketing Management at Damelin College and later obtained a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of South Africa. He also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Regenesys Business School.
Kunene’s dedication to education and his desire to succeed have been instrumental in his success as an entrepreneur and businessman.
Kenny Kunene |
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 Kenny Kunene and Family |
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| Full Name: | Kenneth Kunene |
| Born: | October 21, 1970 |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Education: | MBA Regenesys Business School. |
| Occupation: | Music, Film |
| Years active: | 34 |
| Spouse(s): | Mathato Kunene (div. 2012)
Nonkululeko Whitney Mhlanga (m. 2017) |
Business Ventures and Political Career
Entrepreneurial Beginnings
Kenny Kunene’s entrepreneurial journey began in the 1990s when he started his own security company, which grew rapidly and became one of the most successful in the country. He then ventured into the hospitality industry, opening a string of nightclubs and restaurants, which became popular among the elite and wealthy in South Africa.
Shift to Politics
In 2010, Kunene made a shift to politics, joining the Congress of the People (COPE) party and becoming a member of parliament. However, he resigned from the party shortly afterward, citing differences with the leadership. In 2011, he formed his own political party, the Patriotic Alliance, which aimed to represent the interests of the poor and marginalized in South Africa.
Controversies and Legal Issues
Kunene’s political career has been marred by controversies and legal issues. In 2014, he was accused of assaulting a woman at one of his nightclubs, but the charges were later dropped. He has also been accused of corruption and involvement in illegal activities, but he has denied these allegations.
Despite these controversies, Kunene remains a prominent figure in South African politics and business. He continues to run his successful businesses and remains an influential voice in the country’s political landscape.