An announcement from the South African Communist Party (SACP) deputy general secretary Jeremy Cronin that the SACP fully supports calls for President Jacob Zuma to step down received a warm reception at Ahmed Kathrada’s memorial service in Cape Town.

Cronin, who was speaking in a packed St. George’s Cathedral, also called for the immediate implementation of the recommendation by former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela for a judicial commission of inquiry into all dealings between public entities and companies owned by Zuma’s friends, the Gupta family.

“We call for the revoking of citizenship and revoking of residential rights of Guptas,” said Cronin.

“We call for lifestyle audits for all ministers, all deputy ministers and for board members of state-owned companies.”

Cronin says the SACP would stand its ground when it meets with the ruling African National Congress top six – by expressing their disappointment at recent events, which include a cabinet reshuffle, followed by a downgrade to junk status by a rating agency.