ANC in KZN: Zandile Gumede will have to resign
It appears eThekwini's corruption-accused former mayor Zandile Gumede's stint in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature will be short-lived.
The provincial executive committee of the African National Congress (ANC) in KZN has decided that those members facing criminal charges must step aside from their positions at party and government level and appear before the integrity commission.
This also includes the party's deputy chairperson Mike Mabuyakhulu – who is facing fraud and money laundering charges.
The U-turn by the party comes just over a week after it appointed corruption and fraud accused Gumede as an MPL in the legislature and claimed that they believed in the notion of innocent until proven guilty.
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Gumede, who is facing fraud and corruption charges in connection with a multi-million rand tender, was recalled by the ANC as eThekwini mayor last year due to the multitude of service delivery issues facing the metro. But in a surprise move last week she was sworn in as an MPL to replace the late former KwaDukuza mayor Ricardo Mthembu.
The PEC held an urgent meeting this morning.
Provincial secretary Mdumiseni Ntuli said the decision was taken following the debate and outrage that was sparked by Gumede's deployment to the legislature.
"During their period leading to their appearance before the integrity commission, such comrades are therefore not allowed to stand for or represent the African National Congress.”
The PEC has also instructed the provincial chairperson and secretary to engage with the national executive committee to develop guidelines on how to deal with party members implicated in corruption but not charged.
Listen to Ntuli below:
