Former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede not only dumped the ANC but also switched her spiritual allegiance from Methodist Church to Nazareth Baptist Church
Jacob Zuma's uMkhonto weSizwe Party has scored one of its most significant political recruits in KwaZulu-Natal, appointing former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede to a senior provincial leadership position as it intensifies efforts to challenge the ANC's grip on the municipality.
Gumede was unveiled as the party's new deputy provincial convener during a media briefing in Durban on Monday, immediately taking up a leadership role alongside former ANC provincial deputy chairperson Willies Mchunu.
Her arrival comes as the MK Party finalises its councillor candidate lists ahead of the local government elections and seeks to strengthen its campaign to wrest control of eThekwini from the ANC-led coalition.
A visibly delighted Zuma described Gumede as a "big fish" for the party and used the occasion to call for unity among black South Africans.
