Durban - The SACP in KwaZulu-Natal has accused the supporters of former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede of misusing the party’s logo in their pamphlets, which seek to defend her, amid her corruption case.
In a statement, the party distanced itself from the use of its logo for such activities.
“The South African Communist Party in Moses Mabhida province notes the ongoing legal battle between the former mayor of eThekwini Metro, Zandile Gumede and the State, arising out of allegations of corruption.
“The SACP respects court processes under way as they will eventually unmask the mysterious expenditure of the funds allocated to provide services to the people of eThekwini,” it said.
The party said it was against the use of State institutions, to clandestinely fight ongoing factional battles of the ANC as it compromises the independence of such institutions when they lose credibility in the eyes of the public.
“Of concern to the SACP is the unlawful use of its logo by the supporters of Gumede in their pamphlet purporting to be defending Gumede as the accused.”
The statement said the SACP viewed the abuse of their logo as the work of individuals who have “opportunistically elevated their personal interests thereby undermining the avowed principles and values of the SACP”.
It said the SACP therefore distanced itself from the use of its logo and any campaigns or gatherings associated with court processes related to any leader facing corruption charges.
“The SACP shall continue to selflessly and relentlessly fight and root out corruption as it robs the people of South Africa access to services they need,” it said.
Ntando Khuzwayo, speaking on behalf of supporters of Gumede, denied that the SACP logo was being abused in the pamphlet.
Khuzwayo said the pamphlet was the primary call of what the SACP has stated in its statement that any abuse of state resources to fight political battles should come to an end.
