We, the branches of the COPE Greater SOWETO, represented by our zonal leadership

Deputy chairperson
General Secretary
Deputy Secretary
Spokesperson

Have reached a consensus and concluded that we will not participate in the proposed forth coming National conference, for the following reasons:

1. Congress of the People represents itself as being a united Party, representative  of all of South Africa. Therefore the withdrawal of four of the nine provinces must be addressed by the leadership before the Congress can claim legitimacy.

2. The lack of funding for such a Congress means only those with means can attend - this effectively eliminates more than the majority of  COPE members, in addition, places a mountain of debt on our young party.

3. We ask that the party be funded by Government funding, as is provided for, in the event we as a Party, meet our obligations in terms of due audits as prescribed by Parliament - future funds to COPE have been frozen as a lack of COPE presenting the audited financials by the due date of May 31^st.

4. We object to the campaign of disinformation, such as media reporting (advised by leadership) that John Ngcebetshe being "elected unopposed" at the Gauteng Provincial Congress. This is factually not true, Lyndall Shope opposed him

5. An Objections Letter has been submitted detailing irregularities at the Gauteng Congress - such irregularities have not been addressed, and could prevail in future Congresses.

6. A national Discussion Document for the proposed National Congress has not been circulated throughout the branches, indicating that the leadership itself is not ready for such a Congress

7. The bogus elimination of legitimate branches must be addressed by independent 3^rd party we are calling for national branch audit to be done afresh.

8. The guidelines for delegates are not prescribed within gender-tolerant norms, in that one delegate per branch will attend.

9. Registration for delegates (R300-00 per delegate) is sidelining the poorest of the poor, only well resourced branches will afford and that does not encourage unity and cohesion among the party.

10.  SOWETO WILL NOT SUPPORT FACTIONAL LEADERS THAT EMERGE FROM FACTIONAL CONGRESSESS.

In light of all of the above, we will refrain from legitimising what is essentially a flawed and undemocratic process and call for a united, well organised national conference in the future.

Statement issued by the Congress of the People, May 19 2010

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