#ZandileGumede fully behind eThekwini leadership

Gumede was speaking during the vote counting process at the Durban City Hall, where a full council sitting is electing a new mayor, deputy mayor and speaker.

The axed mayor says she is more than happy with the process taking place today.

eThekwini has been left without any clear political leadership in recent weeks after the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal decided to redeploy its members serving on the municipality's Executive Committee.

The party said the decision was based on performance.

LISTEN: ANC promises residents and businesses a better eThekwini

Gumede had initially tendered her resignation, but withdrew it last week.

The ruling party's top leadership from Luthuli House had to jet into the city to help resolve the issue.

Gumede says she was not against anyone by withdrawing her resignation last week.

Gumede is due back in court on corruption-related charges early next year. This after being arrested earlier this year in connection with a 2016 waste removal tender that the Hawks believe was dodgy.

Gumede is out on R50,000.

Meanwhile, proceedings got off to a slow start in city hall this morning.

Opposition parties argued that City Manager, Sipho Nzuza recuse himself as presiding officer.

Transport MEC, Mxolisi Kaunda has the ANC's backing to be the new eThekwini mayor.