Durban mayor urged to take leave of absence

ETHEKWINI’s embattled mayor, Zandile Gumede, who is facing charges of fraud and corruption, will be asked to take a 30-day leave of absence.

THE KZN ANC provincial chair, Sihle Zikalala said the Provincial Executive Meeting held in Empangeni this weekend had considered various issues facing the movement that threatened the integrity of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal.

He said the PEC had taken the view to act decisively on corruption, ill discipline and any element of bad practice.

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Sikalala said any persons charged with serious crimes would have to step down from office and the ANC would subject the matter to processes within the movement which would be finalised within 30 days.

He added that if the person refused to take a leave of absence the ANC would be compelled to remove the person.

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Gumede, who also serves as chairperson of the ANC in the eThekwini region and other senior municipal officials allegedly defrauded the city of millions of rands in a waste removal tender.

According to SABC news, the ANC  provincial leadership is also said to have taken a decision to disband the eThekwini Regional Executive committee and to appoint a Regional Task Team that will prepare for the regional conference.