Celani Sikhakhane
NFP members are planning to block Gugu Gumede, known as Mamlambo in uZalo, from taking over as the party leader.
Gumede is the daughter of the late Zanele kaMagwaza Msibi, who died while she was still acting party leader.
A voice note which is currently circulating on WhatsApp states that Gumede’s rise needs to be stopped.
“Gugu needs to be told as soon as possible that this is our party, not her family’s stokvel,” says the voice in the audio clip.
“We can’t allow her to think that this party belongs to her family. She must know that her mother was a president of the party whom we elected because of her strength.”
The voice note goes on to say the party must be led by another person who is independent of the family.
“This is a political party not a family thing,” the voice says.
On Saturday, Gumede made it clear that she was going to take over from where her mother left.
After KaMagwaza suffered a stroke in 2014, Gugu started to address NFP gatherings including election campaigns which angered many NFP leaders.
Her brother, Melusi Gumede, was also accused of controlling NFP funds without the approval of the leadership but he denied those allegations.
NFP KZN secretary Zandile Myeni told Scrolla.Africa that they are concerned about Gugu Gumede’s behaviour.
“Gugu is seen as someone trying to control the party as if it is a family organisation. People have shown their anger on many platforms,” said Myeni.
Gugu Gumede could not be reached for comment.
Image source: @GuGugumede
