ANC's Bheki Mtolo Justifies Zandile Gumede's Continued Role in Campaign Efforts

In a move that has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum, the African National Congress (ANC) provincial secretary in KwaZulu-Natal, Bheki Mtolo, has come out in defense of Zandile Gumede’s involvement in the party’s campaign activities ahead of the upcoming elections, despite her facing corruption charges.

Zandile Gumede, a notable figure within the ANC ranks, was instructed by the party to step aside in 2021 after being charged with corruption. However, Mtolo has clarified that the step-aside resolution does not exclude her from participating in campaign efforts. This distinction allows Gumede the ability to remain visible within the party's public engagements, without interacting in internal decision-making processes.

Gumede's presence in the political arena is not a novelty, as she has been seen on the campaign trail with other high-profile ANC members, including national chairperson Gwede Mantashe and National Executive Committee (NEC) member Zizi Kodwa last year. Her recent appearances alongside ANC leaders over a recent weekend have reaffirmed her active role within the party’s campaigning arm.

Mtolo emphasized that no regulations within the party or its constitution could prevent an individual from encouraging others to vote for the ANC, pointing out the impracticality of such an expectation. He also underlined Gumede's undeniable popularity within the KwaZulu-Natal region, which further complicates the party's ability to bar her from campaigning activities.

The party's decision to permit Gumede's involvement may also be influenced by the fact that she has not been found guilty in court; her legal proceedings are currently ongoing in the High Court. This underscores a crucial tenet of the South African legal system, which holds that an accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty, allowing her certain participatory rights within the political process.

The ANC's stance on Gumede’s campaigning role reveals the complexities of balancing internal governance and legal due process. It also highlights the importance of adhering to constitutional rights, ensuring that members can exercise their political freedoms within the realms of the law. The situation with Gumede is set to continue being a subject of much public and political debate as the country heads towards elections.

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