PARLIAMENT CONFIRMS PRESIDENT LEKOTA LEADS COPE - SHILOWA OUT IN THE COLD

Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, President of COPE, and Mr Tozamile Botha, Chief Whip today expressed satisfaction with the outcome of a meeting between the Presiding Officers of the National Assembly and the NCOP to discuss the practical implementation of the expulsion of Mr Shilowa from COPE and Parliament.

The meeting took place at the request of the COPE leadership to discuss ways to minimise the possible embarrassment to Parliament if the expelled Shilowa insists to attend the SONA address.

It is clear that Parliament recognises only one leadership namely the COPE national leadership led by Mr Lekota.

The Secretary of Parliament in a letter to the Shilowa group made it abundantly clear that the expulsion will take effect unless Mr Shilowa informs them of his intention to lodge an appeal to the CNC under leadership of Mr Lekota. Alternatively, if Shilowa obtains a High Court interdict to delay his expulsion from the Party and Parliament.

COPE regrets the continued confusion and public embarrassment resulting from the ill-discipline of a small group of individuals who refuse to accept the consequences of their behaviour during and after the aborted Heartfelt event.

Statement issued by Congress of the People (L), February 9 2011

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