Former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede has been embroiled in a corruption case for six years now, with no end in sight. In a recent interview with the Mail & Guardian, Gumede expressed her frustration with the slow progress of the case, calling for investigations to be concluded before arrests are made to avoid unnecessary delays.
Gumede lamented the impact of the prolonged legal battle on her and her family, stating that the financial strain has forced her to rely on relatives to pay her legal fees. She revealed that all her bank accounts have been closed, leaving her in a precarious financial situation.
The corruption trial, currently being heard at the Durban high court, stems from allegations of fraud, corruption, and racketeering related to a R320 million Durban Solid Waste tender. Gumede is accused of personally receiving kickbacks totaling R2,881,350 in exchange for ensuring certain businesses were awarded city waste contracts. Additionally, the ANC eThekwini region allegedly received a R100,000 “donation” from some of Gumede’s co-accused.
Despite the mounting evidence against her, Gumede maintains her innocence and claims that no witness has directly implicated her in any wrongdoing. Her defense team argues that any deviations from standard procurement processes were justified under municipal supply chain management policy exceptions.
In a controversial move, Judge Sharmaine Balton has banned the media from live coverage of the trial, citing security concerns for witnesses. Only lawyers, journalists with notepads, the accused, the judge, interpreters, prosecutors, and witnesses are allowed in the courtroom, with members of the public barred from attending.
The Mama Zandile Gumede Foundation, in a statement released on Tuesday, reaffirmed its support for Gumede and criticized the state’s handling of the case. The foundation vowed to continue fighting against what they perceive as procedural overreach by the state and to defend the integrity of public officials caught in the legal battle.
As the trial drags on, Gumede remains hopeful that justice will prevail and that she will be exonerated of all charges. However, the toll it has taken on her finances and personal life is undeniable, underscoring the need for a swift resolution to the case to bring closure to all parties involved.
