PRESS STATEMENT BY THE CONGRESS OF THE PEOPLE TO ANNOUNCE THE ORGANISATIONS DECISION TO APPEAL THE SOUTH GAUTENG HIGH COURT 06 JUNE JUDGEMENT

Following the unfortunate decision of the Gauteng South High Court yesterday - the Congress of the People has thoroughly studied the judgement and also sought the advice of senior counsel.

It was unanimously agreed that there were grounds for a successful appeal and our legal team was duly instructed to file the relevant papers. Thus, Mr Mosiuoa Lekota and Mr Phillip Dexter's lawyers were this morning served with the relevant notice and papers were also filled with the court.

Effectively, this move suspends yesterday's Gauteng South court decision pending the finalisation of the appeal. Consequently, the vote of no confidence passed by the National Congress on Saturday 30 May 2010 stays put until the matter is finalised the courts. 

COPE would like to emphasise that even though the matter has unfortunately taken the centre stage in the courts as a power struggle between two or so individuals - this issue remains a political challenge that will be ultimately resolved by the branches.  Whatever the outcome of the current legal battles - the permanent solution will be based on the will of the majority.

The leadership of COPE is determined to defend the organisation, its constitution and integrity as mandated at the May National Congress. It is the responsibility of all those who subscribe to democratic principles to make that the will of the majority of legitimate COPE members is never compromised nor thwarted.

When the courts seek to subordinate the congress to the CNC - bona fide leaders and members of COPE have a duty to close ranks and defend that which we think is right and is in line with the party constitution. We will defend the spirit of accountability that is sought by that constitution and make sure that no leader is above the will of the majority.

 Over the past few months COPE has been in the news for all the wrong r

easons. We had hoped that we would emerge from the congress ready for the political tasks of building unity amongst our members.

We have crafted strategies and tactics aimed at building an efficient and effective machinery for the battles that lie ahead. Our preoccupation, despite the temporary inconveniences, is to reconnect with the people.

Our primary concern is to build a party that is ready to contest and win elections. Unity will paramount as we consolidate this organisation - our unity remains paramount. We will continue to pursue all means possible for unity and political solutions to our current problems even though this may be currently scoffed by those who have taken action against COPE.

This organisation remains optimistic that whilst we will defend our constitution and will of the people vigorously - we will continue to extend a comradely hand to those who continue to locate themselves outside our movement and its internal processes.

Statement issued by the Congress of the People (S), June 7 2010

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