President Lekota welcomes mass defections to COPE

Cope President Mosiuoa Lekota today welcomed new members to the organization who had joined en masse. Entire branches of the Independent Democrats and the ACDP, as well as key leaders and structures in the Cape Winelands region declared for the Congress of the People yesterday in Klapmuts.

Lekota said that this, and the mass defection of 60 ACDP branches in Limpopo late last year, proved that South Africans are still drawn to the message of transparency and accountability.

"The philosophy of Cope has not changed, in fact it has been strengthened over the last few months. South Africans want to see an organization that fights against corruption, and we have demonstrated an adherence to that principle, even when we have found it in our own party."

Ten branches joined Cope, as well as the entire regional executive of the ACDP in Stellenbosch and the branch executive committee.

Key individuals who have joined Cope are Albert Africa, who was the deputy provincial chairperson of the ACDP in the Western Cape, and John Andrews, the former deputy executive mayor of Stellenbosch.

In the case of John Andrews, the ANC had offered him the position of number 1 on the PR list and employment, an offer that he turned down in favour of joining the Congress of the People.

"In Cope, we do not offer people positions or favours in exchange for loyalty. Mr Andrews had made a huge financial sacrifice by turning down the ruling party and choosing Cope. This is the calibre of men and women that we have in the party, men and women of principle. We welcome all of our newest members and we look forward to working with them," said Lekota.

More defections are expected over the next few weeks, not only in the Western Cape, but in most provinces.

Statement issued by Phillip Dexter, Congress of the People, February 10 2011

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