Corruption accused former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede was sworn in as an ANC MPL this week. Picture: THULI DLAMINI/THE TIMES
However, a little more than two weeks later corruption accused former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede took the oath in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature and was sworn in as an ANC MPL. It again showed that “ethical and moral leadership” is just a platitude and makes a farce of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s promise of a cleaner and ethical ANC.
out on R50,000 bail. She appeared in court last month, but the case was reportedly postponed because the state had not completed its investigation. The question the party has to ask itself is whether it is morally and ethically justifiable to have a corruption-accused person as a public representative.It plays into the narrative that the ANC is the party for the corrupt, as instead of distancing itself from dubious characters it continues to promote them or allows them to remain in their positions.
The decision to place Gumede in the KwaZulu-Natal legislature comes from the ANC in her province, which on Wednesday defended her appointment, saying there is nothing “untoward” about it.