eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede will not be heading back to work just yet.
This follows a decision by the African National Congress (ANC) Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) in KwaZulu-Natal to extend her leave of absence.
Addressing the media in Durban on Tuesday, ANC provincial secretary Mdumiseni Ntuli said Gumede’s matter will be finalised this coming weekend.
The PEC decided to reconvene its meeting this coming weekend in order to holistically consider all maters related to municipalities in KZN.
Ntuli said the decision on the suspended mayors, including Gumede, couldn’t be taken lightly because it related to perceptions of integrity and accountability.
The political instruction was that it’s inappropriate for you, under the circumstances, to remain not only the face of the African National Congress but also the face of the people of eThekwini when you’re caught up in such a difficult and compromising environment as being in conflict with the law.
ANC KZN Provincial Secretary Mdumiseni Ntuli
The KZN ANC instructed Gumede to take special leave after she was charged with fraud, corruption and racketeering earlier this year.
Her supporters have engaged in several protest actions calling for her reinstatement.
They have also reportedly threatened legal action against the ANC should it decide to recall her from office.