The R320 million Durban Solid Waste (DSW) tender fraud trial involving former eThekwini (Durban) mayor Zandile Gumede and 21 co-accused was recently halted due to ill health and a traditional cleansing ritual.

• Ill health: Proceedings in the Durban High Court were paused after one of the accused fell ill.
• Ritual ceremony: Another accused (reported as Nomonde Dlomo or similar in reports) was granted leave by the court to attend a two-day Basotho cultural cleansing ritual (roughly one month after her mother’s death and burial in early May 2026). This follows Basotho tradition for the passing of an elder.

The trial, which has been running for over five years, involves allegations of corruption, fraud, and money laundering related to a major waste management tender in eThekwini Municipality during Gumede’s time as mayor.

This is the latest in a series of delays for the high-profile case, which has seen multiple postponements over the years due to various reasons (illness, witness issues, legal arguments, etc.).

Background

Zandile Gumede, along with co-accused officials and companies, faces charges including conspiracy to commit corruption, fraud, and contravention of the Municipal Finance Management Act. The case centers on alleged manipulation of tender processes for personal gain.

The trial continues in the Durban High Court, but no immediate new date was specified in the latest reports beyond the current adjournment.