Zandile Gumede allegedly ‘cleared to return’ by ANC Integrity Commission

Zandile Gumede, accused of a raft of corruption crimes, has reportedly been given the green-light to resume her duties within the KZN Provincial Legislature – just hours after reports surfaced that Ace Magashule had been told to ‘step aside’.

The former Mayor of eThekwini is currently embroiled in a R400 million corruption case, which links Gumede and her colleagues to a suspicious tender agreed with Durban Solid Waste. The project allegedly enriched 15 members of the politician’s inner-circle – but securing a prosecution against the 59-year-old has not been easy work.

Zandile Gumede allegedly ‘cleared by the ANC Integrity Commission’ – for now…

Zandile Gumede was told to step down by the ANC Integrity Commission back in August, pending an investigation. But, following the leak of a report earlier today, she now has a clear path back to her local governance role.

Last week, the court case filed against Zandile Gumede was pushed back to March 2021, and the state was issued with a firm warning from the judiciary: Proceedings could be ‘struck off the roll’ next year after a delay in handing over the forensic evidence caused frustration for the local magistrate.

Should the prosecution fail to comply with the judge’s request, it could collapse the entire case, letting Zandile Gumede off scot-free. However, this outcome is only an ‘outside possibility’ for now – and that room for doubt may have just assisted the ANC representative, here. With things still up in the air, it seems the Integrity Commission has gone easy on Gumede.

KZN Legislature blasted by DA rivals

Several sources have stated that Gumede is set for a comeback. Nicole Graham, the DA’s Caucus Leader in eThekwini, is dismayed by these developments. She has expressed her disappointment – but harbours little surprise. Graham is now pinning her hopes on the Commercial Crimes Court in Durban to secure a conviction against the former mayor:

“It’s completely ridiculous, and yet, it’s par for the course for the ANC. They know the charges against her, they’ve seen the evidence, but they have still decided to promote her to the Legislature. I have no faith in the ANC’s Integrity Commission… Hopefully the judicial process will be completed shortly, so we can get some actual justice.”

Nicole Graham

The ANC's Integrity Commission in KwaZulu-Natal has given former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede the green light to return to her positions, both in the ANC and the provincial legislature. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/d3aFwGoOBy

— SAfm news (@SAfmnews) December 15, 2020