The IFP welcomes the postponement and refusal of the justice system to strike the case of allegations of corruption against Zandile Gumede off the roll. The allegations relate to the looting of R430 million and speak to the sheer magnitude of the corruption that took place. Therefore, a watertight case is essential, to ensure that the vultures who take the money meant for service delivery are punished accordingly, and do not escape the full might of the law.
The failure of her defence team in their attempt to have the corruption case struck off the roll is an indication of the seriousness of her offences.
The fact that her next appearance is set for 10 December 2020 makes our demand that she must step down, not aside, even more necessary. She cannot earn such a huge salary sitting at home and doing nothing, while so many people who are willing to work are sitting at home receiving nothing, due to the high rate of unemployment in our country.
The IFP will exhaust all avenues at its disposal to make sure that Gumede steps down from the Legislature. Her suspension by the ANC, just eight days after she was sworn in as a member of the Legislature, is not enough, and unacceptable.
The IFP will not allow any form of corruption and thievery to breed in this province, and outrightly rejects those with a perennial tendency towards corruption.
It is now time that the ANC demonstrates their respect for the people of KwaZulu-Natal by acting responsibly and removing all its allegedly corrupt members. This will send a clear message that they are committed in fighting corruption, without fear or favour.
Zandile Gumede must step down, not aside.
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Contact:
Hon Velenkosini Hlabisa, MPL
IFP President and Leader of the Official Opposition in the KZN Legislature
083 974 5783