Zandile Gumede sworn in as KZN MPL

FORMER Durban mayor, Zandile Gumede, has been sworn in as a Member of Provincial Legislature for the ANC in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial legislature in Pietermaritzburg. Gumede, who is currently out on bail for fraud and corruption charges relating to a R430 million Durban Solid Waste tender, was ousted as eThekwini Mayor in September last year and demoted to an ordinary PR Councillor. She will be replacing Ricardo Mthembu, who died last month from Covid-19 complications. ALSO READ: WATCH: State’s case against former Durban mayor, co-accused postponed again The move has been condemned by the Democratic Alliance in KZN.

“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 disgraceful behaviour is so clear for all to see?,” said Nicole Graham, eThekwini DA caucus leader.

Graham said the move was a slap on the face of every eThekwini resident. The ANC defended the move saying Gumede was innocent until found guilty by a court of law and that she was a worthwhile addition to the legislature. “The ANC KZN is fully aware of detractors who will seek to use Cde Gumede’s ongoing court case to criticise the appointment, however, we subscribe to the notion of innocent until proven guilty as enshrined in our justice system and as such, there is nothing untoward about the appointment of Cde Gumede,” read a statement from ANC KZN.     Do you want to receive news alerts via Telegram? Send us a message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535. You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail Telegram number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts Here’s where you can download Telegram on Android or Apple.