eThekwini ANC extends olive branch to those who were not elected during elective conference

The African National Congress (ANC) newly elected eThekwini regional leadership has extended an olive branch to those who did not win positions during the elective conference early this month.

The newly elected leadership held a media briefing at Ohlange in Inanda north of Durban.

Addressing the media, regional secretary Musa Nciki has announced that they have invited eThekwini speaker Thabani Nyawose, who lost the election for the chairperson’s position, to join the regional executive committee.

Nyawose lost to former mayor Zandile Gumede, who has stepped aside pending her corruption trial.

Nciki says: “Once the leadership has been elected, the leadership is obliged to embrace everyone. In that case we are post conference now. We look at the comrades and quality and see if we want to embark on the programme of unity or with comrades that have to be invited in this programme of unity. If there are qualities with comrade Thabani that will be able to assist the organisation, he must be invited and be part of the programme.”

After Gumede was appointed to the position, Nyawose conceded defeat, saying he will fully support the newly-elected ANC provincial leadership.

“For me, I don’t see anything wrong for her availing herself to contest because she has a right as a member of the ANC. She has already respected the step aside rule because the step aside rule does not prevent her to avail herself if she is nominated. The majority of ANC members or branches in eThekwini believe in her leadership. All of us have to accept that she is our leader and she is going to lead us in the next three years.”

Gumede confident she will be cleared 

Meanwhile, Gumede has since said she remains optimistic that she will soon be cleared of the corruption charges against her and take up her new position as eThekwini chairperson.

Gumede and her co-accused are alleged to have defrauded the city about R208 million through a waste removal tender.

“I’m the Member of Parliament; I’m working for the community. My leadership said because I’ve been charged although I’m still waiting for the real charges. They said let me just pause for a second so that the society can see that the law is taking its course and as a leader, I must be seen to be complying. Other than that I’m quite confident that it’s not going to be long, I’m going to be off the hook and me and my team are going to be working very hard,” said Gumede.

Zandile Gumede spoke to SABC News after being elected ANC eThekwini Regional Chairperson: