Moves to oust chair Zokwana over close ties to Zuma

Some South African Communist Party (SACP) delegates have raised concerns over the party’s chairperson, Senzeni Zokwana, and want him gone.

This emerged during the leadership nomination at the party’s 14th national congress in Boksburg, east of Joburg, yesterday. Some delegates who spoke to

The Citizen said they want to replace Zokwana, who is the minister of agriculture and forestry in the Jacob Zuma administration, with his deputy, Thulas Nxesi, who is also the minister of sports and recreation.

The delegates were unhappy with Zokwana’s closeness to President Jacob Zuma, who the SACP wants to step down as both the ANC and the country’s president.

Zokwana himself aggravated the situation when he made pro-Zuma statements recently. The delegates believe Nxesi is the best candidate to replace him.

Besides the likely ousting of Zokwana, Jeremy Cronin, SACP’s first deputy secretary, has indicated he will not stand for the position, but will remain on the central committee.

He said he wanted to concentrate on political education, which was his passion.

The remaining leaders, such as general secretary Blade Nzimande, whose position is likely to be uncontested, and treasurer Choice Moloi-Moropa, were expected to retain their positions, while second deputy general secretary Solly Mapaila is most likely to be promoted to first deputy secretary to replace Cronin.