ANC KZN remains mum on suspended eThekwini Mayor’s future

The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal is mum on whether eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede will resume her duties on Wednesday or not.

Gumede was placed on special leave after being charged with fraud and corruption in relation to a R208 million refuse removal tender.

There’s speculation that her leave could be extended.

ANC provincial leaders continue to evade questions about Gumede’s future.

Unless a decision is made on Tuesday, the embattled Mayor is expected to return to the Durban City Hall on Wednesday morning.

Early in June, the ANC in the province asked Gumede to take a 30-day leave of absence while it is discussing her fate, citing charges against her as a reason. The 30-day period comes to an end on Tuesday.

During Gumede’s time away, there has been several protests to the ANC’s offices by her backers demanding that she return to office. They accused the party’s leadership in the province of inconsistency over their handling of party members facing criminal charges.

Disgruntled branches have cited the case of the Regional Secretary of the Gizenga Mpanza region Musa Zondi who was convicted and sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for murder.

While Zondi is appealing the case, the ANC is said to have taken a decision to reinstate him to his position.

Gumede’s supporters have also made repeated calls for the City Manager Sipho Nzuza to be suspended. This followed reports that Nzuza is to be state witness in Gumede’s corruption case.