Zandile Gumede: A complex and controversial figure in South African politics

Zandile Gumede is a South African politician who has served as the Mayor of eThekwini, the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal, since 2011. She is a member of the African National Congress (ANC) and was previously the chairperson of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).
Gumede is a controversial figure in South African politics. She has been accused of corruption and maladministration, and has been the subject of several investigations by the Public Protector, the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and the Hawks.
Despite the allegations against her, Gumede remains a popular figure in eThekwini. She is seen as a strong and decisive leader who has brought about positive change in the city.

Early life and career

Zandile Gumede was born in 1960 in Umlazi, a township outside Durban. She grew up in a poor family and had to work her way through school. After completing her studies, she worked as a teacher and a social worker.
Gumede became involved in politics in the 1980s, when she joined the ANC. She was arrested several times for her involvement in anti-apartheid activities. After the ANC was unbanned in 1990, Gumede was elected to the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature.
In 2000, Gumede was elected mayor of eThekwini. She was the first woman to hold this position. Gumede served as mayor for two terms, and during her time in office she oversaw a number of major infrastructure projects, including the construction of the Durban International Convention Centre and the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Allegations of corruption

In 2017, Gumede was accused of being involved in a corruption scandal involving the awarding of a R430 million tender for solid waste removal. The Hawks raided her home and office, and she was subsequently charged with fraud, corruption and money laundering.
Gumede has denied the allegations against her, and she remains a member of the ANC. However, she has been suspended from her position as mayor and is currently out on bail.

A complex and controversial figure

Zandile Gumede is a complex and controversial figure in South African politics. She is a strong and decisive leader who has brought about positive change in eThekwini. However, she has also been accused of corruption and maladministration. Only time will tell how her legacy will be judged.

Personal reflections

I have mixed feelings about Zandile Gumede. On the one hand, I admire her strength and determination. She is a self-made woman who has overcome many obstacles to achieve her goals. She is also a passionate advocate for the people of eThekwini, and she has worked tirelessly to improve their lives.
On the other hand, I am troubled by the allegations of corruption against her. If these allegations are true, then Gumede has betrayed the trust of the people who elected her. She has also damaged the reputation of the ANC, which is already struggling to regain the trust of the people.
I believe that Gumede is a complex and flawed character. She is capable of great good, but she is also capable of great evil. I hope that she will be able to clear her name and continue to serve the people of eThekwini. However, if she is found guilty of corruption, then she should be held accountable for her actions.