One swallow does not make a Summer: The resignation of a high profile member cannot negate the fact that COPE has rooted itself in South African society.
Phillip Dexter played a significant role during the formation of the Congress of the People back and continued to do so until recently.
He believed in the Congress of the People and stood steadfast against the hidden agenda of some of those who previously formed part of COPE's Leadership and in relation to other challenges faced by the party.
We will always be grateful for his valued contribution in ensuring that COPE became deeply rooted within South African society.
The fact of the matter is that:
- COPE is the third largest party represented in the National Assembly with 30 MP's and 7 members of the NCOP.
- COPE is represented in all nine provincial legislatures and is the official opposition in 5 provinces, having 32 MPL's
- COPE has 262 local government councillors and controls several municipalities in coalition with other parties.
As the leadership of COPE we became aware that MR. Dexter's resolve was waning, partly as a consequence of the challenges then being faced by COPE and partly because of personal issues which should remain private to Mr. Dexter
Given the above, we agreed to Mr. Dexter's request to be relieved from his duties as Head of Communication and as a consequence as a member of the NOB and CNC.
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At that time Mr. Dexter remained a COPE MP.
Subsequent to the above Mr. Dexter requested and was granted Leave o of Absence to attend to his private matters.
It was hoped that the Leave of Absence granted would have afforded Mr. Dexter sufficient opportunity to resolve his private matters. Unfortunately, it did not have the impact we had hoped for.
Finally, it is acknowledged that Mr. Dexter did raise concerns regarding matters within COPE earlier this year. Many of the actions taken by the party to date have been taken to address these very concerns. Mr. Dexter was requested to be a part in dealing with the concerns he raised.
In conclusion, we wish Mr. Dexter well both in his public and private life.
Further, and in accordance with the very principles contained in our Constitution's Bill of Rights, COPE is a democratic organisation and believes in the right of Freedom of Association.
Statement issued Deidre Carter, Acting General Secretary - Congress of the People, January 3 2012
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