Media statement of the Congress National Committee of the Congress of the People, 19 March 2011

The CNC of COPE met today at its offices in Johannesburg. Among the items on the agenda were the outcomes of the disciplinary cases of a number of members of the party, the preparations for the local government elections and the progress in consolidating the structures of the party in the provinces affected by the factionalism that was a feature of the period in the run up to the aborted Congress of December 2010.

The CNC resolved that based on the findings of the disciplinary hearings held, the following individuals are immediately expelled from the party; Mluleki George, Nikiwe Num, Zale Madonsela, Ebrahim Sawant, Archie Ralo, Sam Kwelitha, Mbulelo Ncedane, Mampi Ramotsamai-Kotsi, Clara Motau.

Among the charges they were found guilty of are; bringing the party into disrepute, holding an unconstitutional gathering of some individuals and attempting to pass this off as a COPE meeting, impersonating the leadership of the party and interfering in the accreditation process of the Congress. These serious charges warranted such action, the CNC agreed.

The process of preparations for the local government elections continue apace and the CNC received a report in this regard. COPE will be submitting its candidate lists for the various wards and municipalities throughout the country to the IEC. COPE has launched its manifesto and believes that this manifesto offers a vibrant and credible position that voters will support.

The various Task teams appointed by the CNC in the Western cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng as well as in the COPE Women's Movement are continuing with their work in consolidating the structures of the party. The membership has responded with overwhelming support for these efforts.

Arising from the vacancy created by the expulsion of Mbhazima Shilowa a vacancy arose in the National Assembly. This vacancy is to filled by Mr Graham McIntosh, an experienced politician who has served as an MP before.

The meeting also resolved to recover the funds spent on legal cases from those who have been ordered to pay these to the party by the court.

Statement issued by Phillip Dexter, Congress of the People, March 19 2011

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