The South African Communist Party (SACP) plans to purge African National Congress (ANC) Cabinet ministers failing to support the party’s political campaigns, the Sunday Times reported.
Those facing the chop include Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula and Local Government Minister Sydney Mufamadi, the report said.
A discussion document by SACP general secretary Blade Nzimande ahead of the SACP’s elective national conference proposes that the party elect people who will dedicate their time to its activities.
Nqakula, who is also the SACP chairperson, was among those named for failing to perform party work, the report said.
Others who look set to be driven out include Congress of South African Trade Unions president Willie Madisha, Limpopo Premier Sello Moloto and ANC MP Godfrey Oliphant.
According to the report, Nzimande has argued that SACP leaders who also serve as ANC MPs must be held to account for decisions they take in their capacity as leaders of the ruling party.
”Our medium-term vision calls for … relevant accountability measures to be put in place,” he said. ”How does a party premier or public works MEC [provincial minister] who is a member of the SACP integrate the pillars of the [SACP’s vision] into his or her own work? We need nothing less than this from our party cadres.”
Nzimande told the Sunday Times last week: ”Much as they must respect the structures in which they are deployed, to go with policies that are in direct contradiction of the SACP is not acceptable.” — Sapa