ANC ‘step aside’ rule: Has time run out for Zandile Gumede?

One of Durban’s most controversial political leaders could well face a reckoning of her own in the near future, after she ignored warnings from the ANC to come clean about her financial misdemeanors. Zandile Gumede isn’t going to ‘step aside’, following in the defiant footsteps of party Secretary-General Ace Magashule.

Zandile Gumede ‘refusing to step aside’ amid corruption allegations

With a multi-million rand corruption case hanging over her head, the former Mayor of Durban – who now serves in the Provincial Legislature in KwaZulu-Natal – has not turned herself into the party’s Integrity Commission voluntarily. This puts Cyril Ramaphosa in a tight spot, considering that a number of rogue comrades aren’t following any of his directives.

The president stated earlier this year that anyone facing charges of corruption should step aside or face suspension. Chris Pappas, the DA’s spokesperson for COGTA in KZN. is now concerned that nothing will be done to force Zandile Gumede and her cronies to relieve themselves of party duties until their court cases have been fully resolved.

‘Corrupt politicians can’t accept they are in the wrong’ – DA statement:

“The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes with concern the ANC in Kwazulu-Natal’s delays in implementing the National Executive Council (NEC) “step aside” resolution in the case of Zandile Gumede, Mike Mabuyakhulu and others.”

“While President Cyril Ramaphosa sits in the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture and admits how his party has failed to deal with rampant internal corruption and maladministration, KZN Premier and KZN ANC Chairperson, Sihle Zikalala, is dragging his feet – in this case to the very last minute – when it comes to implementing the rule.”

“Zandile Gumede, and many others in the ANC in our province, have yet to accept that their actions have cost billions of rands and contributed to the mass poverty that we see in our cities, towns, and villages.”

Chris Pappas