Zandile Gumede, the former eThekwini mayor and ANC eThekwini chairperson, has officially transitioned to the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, where she has been appointed as deputy provincial convener in KwaZulu-Natal.This move comes just months before the November local government elections, marking a significant shift in political dynamics.Gumede, currently on trial for a R320 million corruption case related to a solid waste tender, expressed gratitude for the MK Party's welcome.

Party leader Jacob Zuma hailed her as a 'big fish' and called for unity among black South Africans to reclaim the country from white minority influence.The MK Party emphasized the importance of supporting its councillor nominations, which were finalized over the weekend.Gumede's departure from the ANC follows her removal as mayor in 2019 after her arrest in a corruption investigation.Despite losing her political position, she retained popularity within ANC structures.Her transition also includes leaving the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, joining the Nazareth Baptist Church instead.Other ANC members, including Mondli Mthembu and Stanley Moonsamy, have also joined the MK Party.The ANC declined to comment on member movements, while the MK Party refuted rumors of financial instability within the party.