WATCH: ‘Parasitic patronage networks’ seek to capture our movement – Nzimande

SA Communist Party (SACP) general secretary Blade Nzimande on Wednesday did not mince his words at the funeral service of fallen African National Congress struggle stalwart Ahmed Kathrada, saying the governing party was riddled with “parasitic patronage networks” that sought to capture the organisation for their own narrow interests.

Nzimande said the likes of former president Nelson Mandela and Kathrada “handed us over a big proud nonracial organisation”, adding: “We should dare not gamble with this movement.”

“It’s unfortunate that comrade Kathy leaves us at this time when his wisdom is needed more in our organisation. At a time when parasitic patronage networks are today seeking to capture our movement for their narrow interests,” he said.

[WATCH] Blade #Nzimande pays tribute on behalf of the #SACP. #KathradaFuneral

LIVE VIDEO >> https://t.co/8JpN2Erm0t pic.twitter.com/XlI1ep3azX

— eNCA (@eNCA) March 29, 2017

Cosatu’s general secretary, Bheki Ntshalintshali, reminded mourners of Kathrada’s message that leaders should never think they are bigger than the ANC – a thinly-veiled reference to President Jacob Zuma’s leadership.

Ntshalintshali said leaders must be separated from their organisations because they “come and go, but the organisation will remain”.

[WATCH] #KathradaFuneral "No matter how popular you may be, never think you are bigger than the organisation" – #Ntshalintshali pic.twitter.com/VCkAbr459v

— eNCA (@eNCA) March 29, 2017

The ANC’s tripartite alliance partners have been critical of Zuma’s decision to rescind approval for Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan’s international investor roadshow to the UK and US this week amid rife speculation that Gordhan would be fired from his Cabinet post.

The SACP has stood firm behind him and described him on Tuesday as “a reliable and competent minister who has defended the public purse”. While Cosatu said Zuma better have a good reason for recalling Gordhan from his trip, calling the Treasury chief a brave, principled man with a nerve of steel.

Gordhan received a standing ovation from the gathered mourners after the director of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation Neeshan Balton introduced him.

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