Gayton McKenzie and Kenny Kunene have built an empire that spans business, publishing, entertainment, and politics — but their journey started behind bars. Once inmates at the Grootvlei prison in Bloemfontein, the duo has transformed their lives and reputations into a lucrative partnership, blending entrepreneurship with political ambition.
From Convicts to Capitalists
In 1997, Kenny Kunene — a qualified teacher — was convicted of running a Ponzi scheme and sentenced to six years in prison. It was in this very prison that he met Gayton McKenzie, who was serving time for armed robbery. What began as a prison friendship quickly evolved into a strategic partnership. Even while incarcerated, the two began hustling — smuggling money and food, sharpening their entrepreneurial instincts.
After their release, the two stuck to their promise to make something of themselves. Their first joint venture was selling McKenzie’s motivational book, The Choice, at schools around the country. The success of this venture set the tone for what was to come.
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Building an Empire
With guidance from established businessmen like Greg James and Gavin Varejes, McKenzie and Kunene launched Central Rand Gold, a mining company with operations extending beyond South Africa into other parts of the African continent. Their ability to identify opportunities and pivot quickly became their hallmark.
The pair later co-founded ZAR Empire Holdings, a multi-sector company with interests in entertainment, property, and mining. Under this umbrella, they launched X-Concepts Publishing, which published several of McKenzie’s memoirs, including The Hustler’s Bible. These books served not only as income streams but also as tools to reinforce their public image as reformed go-getters.
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Their ZAR nightclub franchise quickly became a celebrity hotspot in the early 2000s, while another venture, Rivonia On Deck, also gained popularity in Johannesburg’s nightlife scene.
But it wasn’t all glitz and glam. According to Kunene, the early days saw them selling fish and chicken from their car boots, organizing motivational seminars for corporates, and even working as security consultants.
“I went from sleeping on the floor to sleeping on the top floor of fancy hotels. I did it all!” Kunene proudly declared on his reality TV show, So What: Big Money, Big Dreams.
Political Turn
In 2013, McKenzie and Kunene co-founded the Patriotic Alliance (PA) — a political party aimed at representing multiracial interests, particularly in coloured communities. Kunene had previously been aligned with the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), but McKenzie convinced him to switch paths and co-lead the PA.
Interestingly, both men expressed little desire to serve in formal legislative positions. “I don’t want to become a member of Parliament, nor does Kenny… we want to work with the people on the ground,” McKenzie told Mail & Guardian at the time.
Recent Controversy
Despite their political and business success, controversy has followed them. McKenzie recently defended Kunene after he was found at the home of Katiso “KT” Molefe, the alleged mastermind behind DJ Sumbody’s murder. McKenzie maintained Kunene’s innocence.
While some critics question their rise, many admire their transformation from inmates to influential figures. Whether you view them as role models or opportunists, one thing is clear — Gayton McKenzie and Kenny Kunene are not to be underestimated.
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