Zandile Gumede sworn in as KZN MPL
Zandile Gumede, who served as eThekwini Mayor between 2016 - 2019, was ousted from her position following links to a R430 million Durban Solid Waste tender.
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.
ALSO READ: eThekwini City Manager faces fraud chargers in R480m DSW tender deal
“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.
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