By Nokwanda Ncwane
Ukhozi FM social commentator Nco Dube says former eThekwini Municipality mayor Zandile Gumede’s decision to leave the African National Congress (ANC) for the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party reinforces a growing perception that the party has become a political home for leaders who have fallen out of favour within the ANC, particularly those facing corruption allegations.
Dube’s comments come after Gumede was unveiled as the MK Party’s deputy convenor in KwaZulu-Natal during a media briefing in Durban on Monday. She was introduced alongside several former ANC members who have defected to the Jacob Zuma-led party.
Gumede, a long-time ally of Zuma, has long been viewed as a likely recruit for the MK Party following its formation in 2023. While her move had been widely anticipated, some political observers were surprised it took as long as it did.
Her appointment comes as the MK Party continues strengthening its structures ahead of the 2026 local government elections, where eThekwini is expected to be one of the country’s most fiercely contested municipalities.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission-related proceedings, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said Gumede’s departure was not unexpected.
“With the local elections coming up, we knew that Jacob Zuma would recruit her to be the face of eThekwini Municipality. It’s fine, the struggle continues,” Mbalula said.
Dube believes the ANC had already been preparing for Gumede’s eventual exit.
“The ANC anticipated that Gumede would eventually leave. The party has had time to prepare organisationally, but her departure still carries political consequences,” he said.
According to Dube, the MK Party’s breakthrough in the 2024 national and provincial elections significantly weakened the ANC’s traditional dominance in eThekwini. Internal instability within the MK Party subsequently created an opportunity for the ANC to regain lost ground, but he believes Gumede’s appointment could reverse that progress.
“That window is now under threat. Gumede’s popularity, her narrative of political targeting and her provincial profile could inspire councillors beyond eThekwini to defect. This appointment reopens vulnerabilities the ANC hoped were closing. It puts pressure back on the party’s provincial flank.”
Dube also argued that Gumede’s appointment sends a strong political message as parties intensify preparations for the upcoming municipal elections.
“The MK Party has now brought in a figure with name recognition, grassroots reach and a loyal political base. Pairing her with Willies Mchunu signals intent. It tells KwaZulu-Natal that the MK Party is not improvising. It is building structure, hierarchy and organisational strength.”
Gumede remains one of the most recognisable political figures in eThekwini. She previously served as ANC regional chairperson in eThekwini from 2015 to 2018 and was re-elected to the position in 2022. She also served as mayor between 2016 and 2019 before stepping down after being charged in connection with the municipality’s Durban Solid Waste tender scandal.
She is among several accused facing charges including fraud, corruption, money laundering and racketeering. Gumede has pleaded not guilty, and her trial is continuing in the Durban High Court.
Despite her legal challenges, Dube believes she continues to wield considerable political influence within the province.
“She still carries influence—real influence. Even outside the mayoral office, Gumede commands loyalty across ANC regional and sub-regional structures. Councillors who rose under her leadership still look to her.”
He said her move to the MK Party could encourage further defections.
“Her move will not be a lonely jump. It could trigger staggered defections from ANC leaders who have been waiting for a signal. In eThekwini politics, she remains a centre of gravity.”
While the long-term impact of Gumede’s defection remains uncertain, political analysts agree that it adds another layer to an increasingly competitive political contest in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of the November 2026 local government elections.
