Zuma backs fraud-accused mayor

* Former President Jacob Zuma has shown his support for eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede, and questions the motive behind the corruption charges. Zuma who is also facing corruption related charges in the KZN High Court, has asked Gumede to be strong as ‘this too shall pass’. Gumede appeared in the Durban Commercial Crimes Court last week to face corruption-related charges linked to a R208m tender with the Durban solid waste department. She was accompanied by Councillor Mondli Mthembu, who is the chairperson of the human settlements and infrastructure committee. They were released on R50 000 bail and are due to appear again in court on 8 August. Zuma also tweeted that he hopes the charges aren’t ‘politically motivated’ and that there is ‘enough evidence to substantiate the charge’.