Statements by Shilowa's Breakaway Faction "Comedic" - COPE

The recent statements by various members of Mbhazima Shilowa's breakaway faction from COPE border on the comedic.

A mob of people mostly bussed in from various townships around Pretoria and Johannesburg standing under a tree does not a Congress make. It is clear that Shilowa's power hungry nature knows no bounds. Ever since the founding Congress of COPE in Bloemfontein in 2008, Shilowa has tried various means to become President of COPE. He is now a "President", but of no legally constituted party.

The various statements by his fellow factionalists reveal that they had no intention to hold a democratic Congress.

No amount of spinning will change the facts;

Shilowa's faction never intended registering for Congress, They deliberately withheld their delegate fees to pay delegates with food and comfortable accommodation to vote for him. They hired thugs and bullies to assault genuine delegates and collapse the Congress.

The Congress of the People will defend itself against such corrupt people. COPE does not belong to Shilowa, but to its members. These members were not allowed to exercise their rights at the Congress venue and accordingly will therefore never recognise Shilowa or believe his call for "unity".

Statement issued by Cope Head of Communications, Phillip Dexter, December 19 2010

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