DISGRUNTLED COPE MEMBERS CALL FOR THEIR OWN CONFERENCE

Members of COPE Youth Movement have been quietly suffering from the absence of internal democratic principles, with members of the National Steering Committee appointing each other in positions of power and influence in typical ANC style and we as members, condemn this behaviour with all contempt.

On Sunday 25 October 2009, a delegation of prominent members of the Youth Movement, led by Bantu Sosibo and Skhumbuzo Ndongeni (Ekurhuleni Regional Executive member) met with 52 business leaders, members of COPE and who are sympathetic to the cause of young people met in Sandton to discuss some of these issues.

One of their frustrations was the mass resignation of members of the Youth Movement following the illegal and undemocratic appointment of so called leaders in the National Steering Committee.

We stand against appointment of leaders who have failed in their duties, but continue to hold positions without consultation and approval from the members of the movement. We reiterate that we are dead against, specifically the top 6 leadership of Anele Mda, Thabiso Teffo, Malusi Booi, Sthembiso Khanyile, Morena Ntsika and Vuyisile Schoeman; whilst members on the ground made it clear that Sipho Nghona is the comrade of their choice, and are mobilising one another to make sure that he leads.

Thabiso Teffo, Malusi Booi and Sthembiso Khanyile are fully aware of the mass resignations and up to now have done nothing to assist the member's grievances. We took a resolution as members to hold a national meeting of all disgruntled members who want to put the movement back on track in Johannesburg on 5 December 2009. We are adamant that if Sipho Nghona is not elevated (as indicated by members), we shall be resigning in large numbers from COPE. The mobilising and lobbying on behalf of the youth, would be led by Tebogo Mokoena and Bantu Sosibo.

Concerns were also raised about the state of the party as a whole, and we all agreed that one of the reasons for this was the weak secretariat at mother body level. We were unanimous that going to conference, we should mobilise and lobby each other around Smuts Ngonyana as Secretary General. We also agreed that for the sake of continuity and peace, we retain a large component of the current leadership under President Lekota and Deputy President Shilowa. This process would be led by Joshua Ngoasheng and Moses Qomoyi.

If we are to be a truly democratic party and an alternative to the ANC, it is important that we exercise internal democracy and put the organisation before personalities and personal interests.

Statement issued by Bantu Sosibo on behalf of Disgruntled COPE Members, October 29 2009

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