Zandile Gumede to step aside as MPL

Durban – Former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede has been asked to step aside from her role as an MPL ... for the moment.

The ANC’s spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal, Nhlakanipho Ntombela, confirmed to IOL Gumede had been asked to step aside until her appearance before the ANC’s Integrity Committee.

According to reports, Gumede has also been asked to step down from her position within the eThekwini's regional task team.

Gumede is currently out on bail following her arrest for her alleged involvement in a multi-million Durban Solid Waste botched tender.

She was sacked as mayor last August.

Gumede's appointment as an MPL drew criticism from opposition parties, with the DA saying it was “disgusted” by her appointment.

At the time, DA Caucus leader in the City, Nicole Graham, said Gumede continued to have a grip on eThekwini's politics.

"It is obvious that the former mayor is a powerful figure in the ANC who has protection in high places. Why else would she earn a promotion back to the legislature when her absolute disgraceful behaviour is so clear for all to see," she said.

Meanwhile, the IFP's Velenkosini Hlabisa said her appointment was a clear demonstration the ANC was not honest in fighting corruption and state looting.

Commenting on Gumede being asked to step aside, Graham said although she was glad, it was a case of too little, too late.

"Why did it have to take so much public pressure for this happen? Why did it have to take John Steenhuisen cornering the president in Parliament for this to happen? Why did it have to take the public outcry for this to happen? Why does the ANC not know basic right from wrong," she said.

Gumede has yet to issue a statement on the decision.

The Mercury

Fri, 28 Aug 2020 12:07:06 GMTSe-Anne Rall

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