Press statement of the Congress of the People Congress National Committee meeting of 2 May 2010

The CNC of COPE met over the last two days. The leadership dealt with a wide range of issues and had an open, robust and frank engagement. The last few weeks have been trying ones for COPE, but the CNC is sure that the party has emerged stronger from these experiences. The CNC resolved the following:

It condemned the march of so-called COPE youth on its HQ. The memorandum they handed in was rejected and resolved that in future all members should take up any issues they have through the appropriate structures.

The CNC also condemned the COPE YM statement of 26 April 2010 in which a number of its leaders were insulted. This has brought the organization into disrepute and such behavior will no longer be tolerated.

The CNC also condemned the public spat on radio Metro between Phillip Dexter and Andile Nkhulu. Any such issues and differences should be dealt with in the structures of the party.

On COPE 4 HOPE the CNC resolved to investigate this organization and for the duration of the investigation Mr. Hennie Kieser of COPE 4 HOPE is to be suspended as a member of COPE.

The so-called audit of membership systems conducted by Mr. Kieser is rejected as unauthorized and the only audit of branches that has any status is that headed by Mr. Neville Mompati.

The CNC also condemned the statement and utterances of the President in relation to the allegations of the mismanagement of the Parliamentary funds. This action was an error of judgment on President Lekota's part. His apology to the meeting and to the members of COPE was accepted by the CNC. The Deputy President, Mbhazima Shilowa remains innocent until proven otherwise of any of the allegations regarding the Parliamentary funds.

The CNC confirmed the nomination process tabled at the CNC of September 2009. In this regard no negative lobbying or character assassination will be tolerated. COPE will ensure that its candidates act in a disciplined fashion and that the process of lobbying for these individuals is one that builds the organization by ensuring that it is a democratic and fair process.

The CNC reiterated its stance on fighting corruption and declared that it would ensure that all audits of party and Parliamentary funds were finalized in the required period.

Statement issued by COPE General Secretary, Charlotte Lobe, May 2 2010

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