Zandile Gumede redeployment ’a slap in the face’
Opposition parties in KwaZulu-Natal have slammed the redeployment of Zandile Gumede to the provincial legislature as a disgrace and a slap in the face of Durban residents.
The former eThekwini mayor was sworn in as an MPL on Wednesday in Pietermaritzburg.
She's taking over the seat left by Ricardo Mthembu, who succumbed to Covid-19 earlier this year.
The move comes even though the fraud and corruption case against Gumede and her co-accused is still before the court.
The African National Congress (ANC) in KZN has defended the decision, saying there's nothing untoward about the deployment - as it believes in the notion of innocent until proven guilty.
The party says it's fully aware of detractors who will seek to use Gumede's ongoing court case to criticise the appointment.
But Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) President Velenkosini Hlabisa says it's clear the ANC is not serious about fighting corruption and state looting.
"This is a clear demonstration that the ANC is not going to transform in harbouring all its leaders who are alleged of [committing] corrupt activities. This does not enhance the legislature of KwaZulu-Natal, but it makes the legislature a dumping zone."
Democratic Alliance (DA) caucus leader in eThekwini Nicole Graham says they are disgusted by the move.
"Instead of holding her accountable, firing her from public office, the ANC waited until there was an opportunity to give her a cushy job somewhere else.
"It shows she has incredible power in the ANC and that rooting out corruption is certainly not a priority for the ANC."
