Former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede has officially joined the Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, becoming the latest senior African National Congress (ANC) figure to leave the governing party.
Her defection was announced during a media briefing on Monday, where the MK Party introduced her as its newest senior recruit.
Gumede has been appointed as the party’s deputy provincial convenor in KwaZulu-Natal.
The appointment places her among the MK Party’s top provincial leadership.
When asked why she chose to join the MK Party, Gumede declined to discuss the reasons behind her decision.
She instead asked to be excused from answering questions about her move.
“The only thing I will say is that I am grateful to be welcomed with such warmth in this organisation,” she said.
MK Party secretary-general Sibonelo Nomvalo said the organisation was pleased to receive new members from across the political spectrum.
He said Gumede was among several new members joining the party from the ANC.
“Today we welcome members from ‘kwagogo’, the ANC,” said Nomvalo.
He urged the party’s new recruits to immediately begin campaigning ahead of the 4 November elections.
“We encourage all new members to hit the ground running and give us the victory come November 4,” he said.