Gumede’s switch to MK Party could dent ANC’s fortunes — analyst

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Experts believe former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede’s defection from the ANC to the MK Party could prove costly for the governing party in next year’s local government elections, particularly in eThekwini, where she still commands significant support.

Gumede, who is also the former ANC eThekwini regional chairperson, was unveiled as a new MK Party member by the organisation’s leader, former president Jacob Zuma, on Monday.

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During the 2024 general election, several ANC supporters, particularly in eThekwini, switched their support to the MK Party.

University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) political analyst Siyabonga Ntombela said Gumede’s move is likely to deepen the ANC’s electoral woes.

Gumede, who was appointed the MK Party’s KwaZulu-Natal deputy provincial convenor following her defection, joined Zuma’s party alongside other new recruits, including former ANC uMgungundlovu deputy mayor Thandiwe “Fucwana” Zungu.

Ntombela said Gumede’s political influence, particularly among ANC supporters in eThekwini, should not be underestimated.

As for the ANC, the implication is that some in the ANC who sympathise with Zandile Gumede might vote for the MK Party candidate instead of the ANC candidate.

The MK Party’s continued success in attracting senior ANC leaders, thereby strengthening its ranks and enhancing its credibility among traditional ANC supporters, should be of major concern to the ANC, Ntombela said.

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“The ANC should be worried about the fact that the MK Party keeps on benefiting from senior ANC leaders such as Willies Mchunu (former KZN premier), Nkosinathi Nhleko (former police minister) and now Zandile Gumede,” he said.

Ntombela said Gumede’s appointment as MK Party deputy provincial convenor could point to an even bigger political role for the former ANC mayor within Zuma’s party.

“As a former mayor of eThekwini Municipality, I suspect she would be the mayoral candidate for the MK Party in KwaZulu-Natal,” he said.

Gumede is facing fraud and corruption charges in connection with a more than R300 million eThekwini Solid Waste tender.

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Now that the former ANC regional leader has joined the MK Party, Ntombela said Zuma’s party is likely to rally behind Gumede in her battle against the fraud and corruption charges.