Former eThekwini Chairperson and ANC heavyweight Zandile Gumede has addressed speculation about her potential move to the Umkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party, stating that while she does not rule out the possibility, she has not made any decision to leave the ANC.
In a recent interview, Gumede responded to swirling rumors about her political future, particularly in light of the growing influence of former President Jacob Zuma’s MK Party in KwaZulu-Natal. The party has attracted several former ANC members, fueling speculation that more high-profile figures could follow suit.
“I am not saying I won’t ever move [to MK], but what I’m saying is that for now, I have never said I want to go,” Gumede clarified.
Her comments come at a time when the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal is experiencing internal shifts, with a number of members openly aligning with the MK Party. However, Gumede’s position suggests she remains committed to the ANC, at least for now.
Gumede, a prominent political figure in eThekwini, has faced significant legal and political challenges in recent years. In 2019, she was removed as eThekwini Chairperson following allegations of corruption related to a R320 million Durban Solid Waste tender. While she has consistently denied any wrongdoing, the case remains ongoing.
Despite these challenges, Gumede has maintained a strong support base within the ANC in KZN. She was re-elected as the party’s eThekwini regional chairperson in 2022, demonstrating her political resilience. However, as tensions between the ANC and the MK Party grow, questions about her future persist.
The MK Party, under Zuma’s leadership, has positioned itself as an alternative for disgruntled ANC members, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal. The party has already secured key political figures, and its rise has created uncertainty within the ANC’s ranks.
Political analysts suggest that if Gumede were to leave the ANC, it would be a significant blow to the party’s influence in eThekwini, where she remains a formidable leader. However, her cautious wording indicates she is in no rush to make any major political moves.
Gumede’s measured response shows she is weighing her options carefully. For now, she remains within the ANC, but her acknowledgment that she is not entirely ruling out a move suggests she is keeping an open mind.
As the political landscape in KwaZulu-Natal continues to shift, all eyes will remain on Gumede and her next steps. Her decision could have far-reaching implications for both the ANC and the MK Party as they vie for dominance in the province.