The ANC leadership in KwaZulu-Natal faces accusations of exploitation after it used corruption-accused former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede to campaign for the party and then excluded her from its parliamentary list.
The list was submitted to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) last week.
Gumede was actively involved in campaigning efforts, particularly during the “Fill Up Moses Mabhida Stadium” rally in Durban last month, working alongside President Cyril Ramaphosa and ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula.
The ANC eThekwini region called Gumede’s omission from the list unfair treatment.
“They used her while she was on ‘step aside’,” said eThekwini ANC region spokesperson Mlondolozi Mkhize.
“The national leadership, at the request of the provincial ANC structure, invited her to campaign. Additionally, she’s a member of the KZN legislature, so her inclusion would have been expected. We view this as exploitation by the ANC,” said Mkhize.
Gumede is the chairperson of the eThekwini region, but the “step aside rule” prevents her from fulfilling her duties.
In January, ANC KZN secretary Bheki Mtolo publicly acknowledged Gumede’s popularity and justified including her in the 2024 campaigns.
Gumede told Scrolla.Africa she hasn’t seen the list and is unable to comment until her ongoing court case finishes.
The former mayor and 21 others are charged with racketeering, fraud, corruption and money laundering for the alleged manipulation of a R320-million solid waste removal contract.
The ANC’s provincial spokesperson, Mafika Mndebele, declined to comment.
The ANC’s KZN list for the provincial legislature is led by the party’s provincial chairperson Siboniso Duma, with KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube sitting at number 31.
On the provincial to national list, former health minister Zweli Mkhize takes the number two spot, while Nomalungelo Gina, widow of Cedric Gina – late president of the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa – holds the top position.
Scrolla.Africa learned that many ANC members competed fiercely for spots within the top 30, fearing the party might lose seats in the KZN Legislature because of the resurgence of the IFP and the rise of uMkhonto Wesizwe, which has attracted prominent ANC leaders.
Pictured above: Zandile Gumede.
Image source: X
