By Celani Sikhakhane
The wife of the late KwaZulu-Natal famous traditional leader and IFP senior member of KZN Legislature will never forget the day she was appointed to the position of a rural mayor by the stepmother of her children.
Catherine Gumede, who was just an ordinary rural housewife and the widow of Inkosi Hulumeni Gumede, left the political party of her husband in 2011 – the IFP – and joined the breakaway NFP headed by her husband’s ex-girlfriend, Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi. .
In an interview with Scrolla.Africa, Gumede said that she loved kaMagwaza-Msibi in such a way that when she left the IFP after challenging the presidency of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi, she followed her to assist with election campaigns.
“I told my family that I am leaving the IFP to support the mother of my husband’s children. But when I did that I was not expecting any rewards. After the elections a delegation was sent to my home.
“They found me at home with my grandchildren and delivered the news that shocked me. They said kaMagwaza-Msibi has recommended me to be mayor of Big Five False Bay local municipality and I would be given bodyguards and two vehicles. I screamed and told them that I can’t because I’m just an ordinary rural woman and I’m very shy,” said Gumede.
But after hours of resistance she agreed to take up the mayoral position because she was already an NFP councillor at kwaMduku village in Hluhluwe.
Gumede said she refused the cars and bodyguards.
“I was used to public transport without bodyguards. I told them that I am taking the position but I don’t need bodyguards because I don’t have any enemies but they said it’s government policy.
“After that my life changed drastically. I travelled to different places, meeting serious people I never thought I would ever mingle with, since I am just a rural granny. That woman showed me how much she loved me.
“I will never forget her generosity towards me. She took me from nothing and made me the most respected woman in the country,” said Gumede.
Gumede is still living in her community as a pensioner.
Pictured above: Catherine Gumede who was surprised by Zanele kaMagwaza-Msibi with a mayoral position in 2011.
Image source: Celani Sikhakhane
