Durban-based shack-dwellers movement Abahlali baseMjondolo have expressed unhappiness about the appointment of former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede as a KwaZulu-Natal MPL, by the ruling African National Congress (ANC).

Gumede replaces ANC spokesperson Ricardo Mthembu who died in July owing to the coronavirus (Covid-19).

Abahlali baseMjondolo campaigns both against evictions and for public housing in South Africa.

Speaking to Polity, general secretary of Abahlali Nomusa Sizani said the movement was unhappy with Gumede’s appointment owing to the fraud charges against her.

Gumede stepped down as eThekwini mayor in September last year following a corruption matter involving a multimillion-rand Solid Waste scandal, which is still pending.

“When she was arrested, we thought that some action was taken against corruption but the swearing in of Gumede as a member of provincial legislature shows exactly that the ANC is not serious about getting rid of the corruption. The ANC continues to be arrogant while its leaders steal from the poor. The ANC is not serious about the poor people,” Sizani said.

She said it was shocking to hear ANC KZN spokesperson Nhlakanipho Ntombela expressing confidence in Gumede and her experience.

Sizani said that statement was an insult to women and a disgrace to the women of South Africa and accused Gumede of being an oppressor of women.

Former Public Protector Advocate Thuli Madonsela has also said that she was disappointed in the ANC following Gumede’s appointment, saying the party should have conducted internal disciplinary action.