If I was to pinpoint one of the key problems within COPE, then it has be the aversion to technology that many within the leadership have. There can be no greater confirmation to this than the role that aversion has played at the registration for congress.
I am convinced that had we put in place a decent membership system from the outset, much of the fracas could have been avoided. But I also understand fully why that has hitherto been impossible. Any technology service provider would have supplied a secure and robust system, incapable of being manipulated. Therein lies the problem, some do NOT want a fool-proof system in place.
A membership system would have allowed us the benefit of being able to accredit delegates and send the necessary accreditation forms to the branches. After all, to be a modern, progressive organisation, exploring and making use of the benefits of technology is absolutely essential.
Our former GS, Charlotte Lobe failed dismally in ensuring that technology and the necessary processes around the use of that technology be put in place. Our current GS, Deidre Carter, was left with very little time to correct this matter. But in Charlotte's defence, I believe any system would have been met with suspicion, mistrust and paranoia.
I believe that the congress was planned to deliver an outcome where delegates would feel that they have fulfilled their branch mandates. When I arrived in Pretoria on the morn of 15 December 2010, I went to Heartfelt Arena, where the place was beautifully organised, caterers were ready to serve sandwiches and coffee to the delegates. Thereafter, I went to the Kleinkaap Estate where the delegate registration was to take place. Once again, a delightful discovery, the accreditation centre was well organised; systems were in place and was ready to accredit the media and delegates.
I understand fully why the process broke down. The total number of delegates to attend conference is estimated around 2500. Delegates were supposed to send in their delegate forms to the GS to be verified and captured prior to congress. They would then arrive on the day of registration and proceed to the registration points to be accredited and issued with the delegate tag.