´Terrible blow´ for Cope

The acting Limpopo chairperson of the Congress of the People (Cope), Mr Solly Mkhatshwa, described the departure of former chairperson Mr Sello Moloto as a terrible blow to the organization, but said they were ready work hard towards attracting voters in the coming municipal elections.

This comes after Moloto resigned last week to take the position of South African ambassador to Mozambique. Moloto was the former Limpopo Premier, prior to joining Cope.

It is alleged that Moloto lost interest in the activities of the organization after the ongoing squabbles between the party president Mosiuoa Lekota and his deputy, former Gauteng Premier Mbhazima Sam Shilowa. Moloto was said to be close to Lekota. It is also alleged that the deal to appoint Moloto as ambassador to Mozambique was brokered by Deputy-President Kgalema Motlanthe.

“We understand Moloto has attracted many members since he became the provincial party chairperson, but we believe we will take the organization from where it is to higher pinnacles,” said Mkhatshwa.

The spokesperson for Cope in Limpopo, Mr Ike Kekana, confirmed that Moloto had resigned but said someone to replace him in the provincial legislature would be dealt with by the national working committee of Cope after the May 18 elections.

In a statement, the national spokesman of Cope, Mr Phillip Dexter, thanks Moloto "for his efforts in establishing and building the party". Cope also wishes Moloto well in his new position "and hopes that this is the start of a trend where the ruling party will feel that it is able to appoint South Africans from all political parties to positions of this nature".

News - Date: 06 May 2011

Silas Nduvheni

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