Gumede Joins MK as Deputy Provincial Convener

Former eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede has officially defected from the African National Congress (ANC) to join the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party, where she has been appointed as a deputy provincial convener in KwaZulu-Natal. The announcement was made during a media briefing in Durban on Monday, marking a significant shift in the region’s political landscape as the MK party seeks to challenge the current ANC-led coalition’s control over the eThekwini Municipality.

A High-Profile Political Defection

Gumede, who previously served as the first woman to be elected as the ANC’s eThekwini regional chairperson, was introduced alongside other former ANC officials, including former deputy regional chairperson Mondli Mthembu and former councillor Stanley Moonsamy. Upon her introduction, Gumede was immediately assigned to work alongside former ANC provincial deputy chairperson Willies Mchunu. MK party leader Jacob Zuma expressed enthusiasm regarding the recruitment, referring to the former mayor as a “big fish” and welcoming her “home from kwagogo,” a term frequently used by party members to describe the ANC. While Gumede did not elaborate on her reasons for leaving the ANC, she expressed gratitude for her reception by the MK party. The ANC provincial spokesperson, Sifiso Sonjica, declined to comment on the development, stating that the party has no business commenting on members of other organizations.

Photo: eNCA

Legal Challenges and Political Background

Gumede’s transition to the MK party occurs while she remains on trial for a R320 million solid waste tender corruption scandal. The charges, which include fraud and money laundering, relate to a Durban solid waste contract. Following her arrest in May 2019, she was removed as mayor in August of that same year. Despite the charges and the ANC’s “step-aside” policy, which forced her to relinquish political powers, Gumede maintained a significant support base. In 2022, she was re-elected as the ANC eThekwini regional chairperson while absent, as she was observing the party’s internal policies. Her move to the MK party had been the subject of speculation since the party was formed in December 2023, given her status as a staunch backer of Jacob Zuma.

BREAKING: FORMER ETHEKWINI MAYOR ZANDILE GUMEDE JOINS MK PARTY | APPOINTED KZN DEPUTY CONVENER

Strategic Stakes in KwaZulu-Natal

The recruitment of Gumede is part of the MK party’s broader strategy to consolidate power in KwaZulu-Natal, the second-most populous province and a stronghold for Jacob Zuma. The party currently holds 37 of the 80 seats in the provincial legislature, having finished ahead of all other parties in the 2024 general election. However, a coalition of the IFP, ANC, DA, and NFP currently governs the province. The MK party is now focusing on the upcoming municipal elections, with party officials indicating that they are finalizing candidate nominations. Secretary-General Sibonelo Nomvalo stated that the party is continuing to grow and dismissed recent reports concerning financial instability and alleged office closures due to unpaid rent as false.

Spiritual and Political Transition

Alongside her change in political affiliation, Gumede announced a significant personal transition. She has left the Methodist Church of Southern Africa and was baptized into the Nazareth Baptist Church. On Monday, she shared images of her baptism on social media, expressing gratitude to church leader Mduduzi Shembe, known as Unyazi Lwezulu, for the reception he extended to her and her family. As the MK party prepares for future electoral contests, observers anticipate that Gumede will attempt to leverage her influence in eThekwini to draw former loyalists from the ANC into the MK fold. The party’s leadership maintains that their movement is the “only alternative voice of the left” and is committed to transforming local government.

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