Communists ban Zuma from addressing party event

South Africa’s Communist Party (SACP), a key ally of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has banned President Jacob Zuma from addressing its congress this week, the party spokeswoman told AFP news agency reports. Hlengiwe Nkonyane said the decision was based on Mr Zuma’s political problems: “We advised the ANC that due to the tensions […]

South Africa’s Communist Party (SACP), a key ally of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) has banned President Jacob Zuma from addressing its congress this week, the party spokeswoman told AFP news agency reports.

Hlengiwe Nkonyane said the decision was based on Mr Zuma’s political problems:

“We advised the ANC that due to the tensions we are having… it would be best for the president not to address the national congress.”

It will be the first time that President Zuma, who came to power in 2009, has not addressed the congress, held every four years, AFP reports.

SACP has been increasingly critical of Mr Zuma and called on him to step down over his alleged scandals and his connections to the controversial Gupta family.