Communist broadside aimed at DA, EFF, Jim, Vavi

SA COMMUNIST Party second deputy general secretary Solly Mapaila yesterday laid into the DA, EFF, Numsa boss Irvin Jim and Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi, calling them empty drums making the loudest noise.

This was sparked by the parties' call for President Jacob Zuma to be held accountable and pay back the money spent on his Nkandla home non-security upgrades.

Vavi and Jim have also come out in defence of public protector Thuli Madonsela, saying she should be given space to do her job after the ANC attacked her credibility following a leaked letter to Zuma.

Mapaila said yesterday the revolution was under attack and called on SACP members to defend the ANC-led alliance.

"Both the conservatives in the DA and their analysts [unite] around one thing with those in the populist-parallel-left represented by the likes of the EFF grouping, Irvin Jim and now lately Zwelinzima Vavi, who more and more frequently plays into their agenda.

"Over and above accusing our movement of selling out, they have all identified the ANC president [Zuma] as an entry point for launching offensives against our entire movement. Unless we strengthen our members politically these empty drums could likely confuse them for they make the loudest noise," he said.

Vavi said his being singled out was a ploy to weaken and divide workers. He said he was carrying out a workers' mandate when he defended Madonsela. - Mkhululi Ndamase