By Nokwanda Ncwane
Embattled former eThekwini Municipality mayor Zandile Gumede has been appointed as uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party deputy convenor in KwaZulu-Natal, marking one of the party’s highest-profile recruitments ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
The announcement was made during a media briefing in Durban on Monday, where Gumede was unveiled alongside several former African National Congress (ANC) members who have defected to the Jacob Zuma-led party.
The MK Party emerged as the largest party in KwaZulu-Natal after securing more than 40% of the provincial vote in the 2024 national and provincial elections. Despite its electoral success, the party remained in opposition in the province after the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) formed a government of provincial unity with the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the National Freedom Party (NFP).
Gumede, a long-time ally of former President Jacob Zuma, is regarded as having a significant support base in the eThekwini region where she previously served as the ANC chairperson between 2015 – 2018, she was re-elected again in April 2022. Her appointment is expected to strengthen the MK Party’s organisational structures in the province as it prepares for the local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026, where control of the eThekwini Metro is expected to be one of the party’s key targets.
Gumede served as eThekwini mayor from 2016 until 2019 before stepping aside as per ANC policy after being charged in connection with the municipality’s controversial Durban Solid Waste (DSW) tender. She is among several accused facing charges including fraud, corruption, money laundering and racketeering. She has pleaded not guilty, and the trial is continuing in the Durban High Court.
Speaking to journalists after her appointment, Gumede declined to explain what prompted her decision to leave the ANC or how long she had been considering joining the MK Party.
During the briefing, newly announced members repeatedly chanted “Sekusele kancane silithathe iTheku,” loosely translated as, “It is only a matter of time before we take over eThekwini,” signalling the party’s ambition to win control of the municipality in the upcoming local government elections.
Addressing supporters, Zuma said the MK Party had rapidly established itself as a major political force.
“In just over two years, it is undeniable that we have turned things around in South Africa,” he said.
Responding to questions about Gumede’s pending corruption case, MK Party secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo said the party would not deny members leadership positions solely because they were facing criminal charges.
“We are not prosecutors,” Nomvalo said, adding that the party respects the presumption of innocence until a court rules otherwise.
Gumede’s appointment has drawn mixed reactions, given her ongoing criminal trial and prominence within the ANC before her defection. However, it also underscores the MK Party’s continued efforts to attract influential former ANC leaders as it seeks to consolidate support ahead of the 2026 municipal elections, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal’s strategic municipalities.
