GUMEDE ADAMANT ABOUT HER INNOCENCE

Nhlanhla Mabaso

Embattled eThekwini Mayor & Regional Chairperson of the African National Congress (ANC), Zandile Gumede appeared before the Durban Magistrate Court on Thursday. She is alleged to have been involved in corruption and fraud relating to a Durban waste management tender worth R 280 million.

She has been on special leave from office given to her by the ANC’s provincial leadership, however the court says her bail condition doesn’t prevent her from working.

Just shortly after her appearance she addressed a group of supporters who had been camping outside court, hosting a night vigil for her. Among those supporting her was Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) member Supa Zuma, who told the crowd that he’s not there as a member of the PEC but a supporter of Gumede; “I was here when she got arrested and I’m still here even today.” Said Supa.

The Mayor has pleaded for KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Premier Sihle Zikalala to intervene in this matter so that the truth could come out and to ensure that curtain places are kept clean because they cannot allow their people to suffer.

The ANC KZN PEC is set to finalize her issue on Sunday and Gumede will appear back in court on the 15th of January 2020.