SACP calls on Zuma to resign

The Political Bureau of the SACP met in Gauteng following President Zuma's dramatic cabinet reshuffle.

The SACP leadership says they met in the context of the deep crisis into which the reckless actions of President Zuma have plunged the ANC-led movement, the hard-won democratic institutions, and the country in general.

"The recall from an overseas trip of comrades Pravin Gordhan and Mcebisi Jonas while on a promotional tour in South Africa's interests, and now the firing of these comrades and other well-performing ministers is more than regrettable. It is frankly outrageous, particularly while the worst performers in cabinet continue to enjoy presidential protection and even, in some cases, promotion," says the party.

According to the SACP, this recklessness has provoked widespread concern and anger within the ANC itself, as well as across all sectors of our society.

"We have reached a decisive moment in which, in the considered view of the SACP leadership, Zuma must now resign," says the party.

The SACP says it will be meeting with its provincial structures, all its alliance partners and a wide range of social movements and formations in the coming days. 

"It is imperative that popular anger is mobilised and organised in constructive ways that unite South Africans of all persuasions and backgrounds in the defence of our country's interests," says the party.

The party says this is not a struggle against an individual. 

"This is not a factional struggle. It is a struggle against a network of parasitism and patronage in defence of our hard-won democratic sovereignty. Let us roll back corporate capture of the state! Let us call for the South African passports and residential rights of the Guptas to be revoked immediately!" insists the party.

The party has confirmed that none of its members who serve in executive positions in government will resign. 

"The Political Bureau's instruction to these comrades is: Remain at your posts. This is not because there is any individual entitlement. You are serving in various capacities because of the support you enjoy across the ANC movement, because of your struggle credentials, and because of your performance in government. You have a responsibility to serve a massive constituency and the country at large - now more than ever. If you are fired at the behest of the Gupta network because of the SACP's stand on these matters - so be it."