Zuma’s backers want SACP members to resign from government

The leader of the MK vets says the SACP has taken the 'confusing resolution' to contest the elections on its own because it is angry with Zuma and the Guptas.

MKMVA president Kebby Maphatsoe and former president Jacob Zuma. Picture: Neil McCartney

Following the SA Communist Party’s (SACP’s) national congress last week, Umkhonto weSizwe Military Veterans’ Association (MKMVA) president Kebby Maphatsoe has called on leaders of the SACP to resign from Cabinet after the party announced at the weekend it would contest future elections independently of the ruling ANC.

“Why are they still staying on as ministers? They must also resign as the ANC national executive members,” Maphatsoe told The Sowetan in an interview.

“The SACP has taken a confusing resolution because they are angry with President Jacob Zuma and the Guptas. What are they going to do if there is no Zuma and the Guptas tomorrow?”

Another staunch supporter of Zuma, ANC Youth League president Collen Maine, accused the SACP of abusing the ruling party.

“If you are in a marriage and you are abused, you need to sit down and ask whether you should continue to be subjected to the abuse. The ANC needs to sit down and deal with this issue and decide whether the alliance is still needed,” he said. “They must not push Cyril Ramaphosa down our throats,” he added.

In response to the criticism from Zuma’s supporters, the SACP said they were talking “rubbish”.

The party’s spokesperson, Alex Mashilo, told The Sowetan that SACP members who were in government as ministers and deputy ministers were ANC members in good standing.

SACP leaders serving in Zuma’s cabinet include Minister of Higher Education Blade Nzimande, Fisheries Minister Sezeni Zokwana and Sports Minister Thulas Nxesi. Other SACP leaders in government are Gauteng infrastructure development MEC Jacob Mamabolo and Limpopo MEC for health Phophi Ramathuba.

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