In a report carried by the Independent Online published on 1 March, Mr Sipho Ngwema, spokesperson for former COPE Deputy President Mbhazima Shilowa, is quoted as confidently stating that COPE President Mosiuoa Lekota has not, by midday on 1 March, filed intention to oppose Shilowa's latest court escapades set to play out in the Western Cape High Court.

This blatant lie by Ngwema is yet another sad demonstration of the desperation of Shilowa and those close to him, as they seek to deflect media attention away from their questionable conduct pertaining to the use of party funds and their lack of commitment to democracy.

The reasons for Ngwema's recourse to lying to the public are clear. The reasons for his thinking that the South African public are so stupid are a mystery. Documentation filed by COPE's attorneys indicate that notice of opposition was submitted, received and stamped, by the Western Cape High Court on 28 February at 14:02. These documents can be viewed here (page 1) and here (page 2), or alternatively at the links below.

Furthermore, contrary to Ngwema's spurious claims, the Congress of the People welcomes this last ditched attempt by Shilowa et al to have the court pronounce on their illegitimate claims to the leadership of the organisation as it is hoped that this would finally end this protracted vexacious legal behaviour of Shilowa and his minions once and for all.

COPE's preparation for the Local Government Elections are well under way, and settling this matter will allow the party to continue building and advancing the progressive agenda of hope and change that South African voters deserve.

Statement issued by Phillip Dexter, MP, COPE Head of Communications, February 17 2011

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