Members of the local Congress Of The People branch (Cope) have put their weight behind the party's newly elected national and provincial congresses.
Members of the local Congress Of The People branch (Cope) have put their weight behind the party's newly elected national and provincial congresses.
This is despite claims that Mosiuoa Lekota, Cope's national leader, is attempting to hijack the party.
Speaking to Grocott's Mail on Thursday 16 January, Cope leader Ruth Plaatjie said the party's newly elected leadership had their full backing, adding that they were involved in the election of the provincial leadership.
Plaatjie said she was elected to serve as an additional member in Cope's provincial leadership, while Zukiswa Mhlwathika, Nombulelo Yame and Nandipha Mentjies were elected to serve as additional members in the party's provincial structure.
Plaatjie said they had heard about an interdict to stop the election processes, but said they had not seen such an interdict.
Cope will also have its local branch meeting at Khutliso Daniels High School at 3pm on Sunday 12 January, where Plaatjie will report back about the provincial congress and discuss the way forward for the local branch.
Zale Madonsela, Mpumalanga member of the provincial legislature issued a statement on Friday last week, disputing the legitimacy of the party's national leadership.
It said "the Congress of the People is disappointed at the order of the North Gauteng High Court which gave way to Mosiuoa Lekota's attempt to hold exclusive congress and anoint himself as President of the organisation without the wishes of the majority of its members.
She further states that Cope had gone to seek a court order preventing Lekota from stealing the organisation under their nose, and turn it into a questionable so-called alliance with parties who continue to exist for the interest of racial groups in our democratic country.
The newly-formed Agang SA on the other hand will also be launching its own local branch.
According to the party's provincial organiser Sam Njela, this follows the successful meet & greet road show by Agang SA national leader, Dr Mamphela Ramphele, in Makana last month, which included visits to Alicedale and Riebeeck-East.
Njela says Agang SA is making inroads throughout the Eastern Cape adding that they are confident of a good showing in the coming elections.
“Our first aim was to get structures in place. Good progress has been made and the formation of a Makana Branch will be another important step in that direction,” he said.
The party's meeting will be held on Saturday 18 January in the Public Library Hall in Hill Street at 10am. Anyone interested is welcome to attend.
