The African National Congress (ANC) top 6 officials have upheld KwaZulu-Natal ANC’s decision to recall eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede.
ANC Deputy Secretary General Jessie Duarte confirmed the decision at a press briefing in Durban on Tuesday afternoon.
She said the top 6 had considered an appeal from Gumede, a letter from ANC’s caucus in eThekwini, and the report from KZN ANC provincial executive committee (PEC).
After careful consideration, we agreed that in the best interest of the ANC and the people of the metropolitan of eThekwini, we would agree that the Ex-Co that has been requested to vacate their seats, vacate their seats.
Jesse Duarte
However, the recalled members of the executive council would remain councillors, she added.
New Mayor, deputy and speaker
Duarte announced that the new Mayor of eThekwini will be Mxolisi Kaunda. He currently serves as KZN’s MEC for Transport.
She said the new Deputy Mayor will be Belinda Scott, who is a former KZN MEC for Finance.
Weziwe Thusi is set to come in as the new Speaker of eThekwini.
She is currently a KZN PEC member and ANC Women’s League KZN provincial treasurer.
Duarte also confirmed that the ANC eThekwini caucus has accepted the decision.
They had earlier complained that the PEC had not consulted them. The agreement now is that future PEC decisions would be more consultative.
End of the road for Gumede
This is seemingly the end of the road for Gumede, who sensationally withdrew her resignation as Mayor last week.
The PEC decided to recall her about in August, citing poor service delivery in eThekwini.
However, she reportedly complained that the PEC had treated her unfairly.
She was holding out for an audience with the ANC top 6 and held a meeting with them on Monday.
Gumede was pictured earlier on Tuesday going into a meeting with Duarte to hear the outcome of her appeal.
She later walked out but refused to speak to the media.