IS THERE no end to the troubles facing the Congress of the People (Cope)?
On Monday, 17 July, the party reaffirmed its position on the expulsions of deputy president Willie Madisha, Mzwandile Nhleko and spokesman Dennis Bloem.
The announcement comes a month after the party had already announced the termination of their membership.
It follows the issuing by Bloem of a media advisory on behalf of the others in which they indicated they would be addressing Cope-related matters at a press conference.
Cope's Gauteng chairman Tom Mofokeng said the national leadership had noted the media advisory, and the party "wishes to reiterate and reaffirm that the above-mentioned individuals are no longer members of Cope."
Mofokeng said the trio had no jurisdiction to address media under the name and banner of Cope.
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"This is a desperate attempt by the trio fuelled by rogue behaviour, with the intention to antagonise or destabilise the party.
“These individuals are taking it upon themselves and doing their best in their incompetence to disrupt the image of Cope and using immature tactics with the hope to stir up chaos. We wish them well in their futile exercise,” he said.
Mofokeng said that Cope had begun the process of withdrawing Madisha as a member of parliament representing the party.
“We regret that we cannot control their rogue and unruly behaviour in their personal capacity and in calling the media for their personal issues.
"However, their destructive behaviour further affirms to our members, supporters, and voters at large that indeed the party acted rationally and rightfully, so in divorcing itself from these individuals," Mofokeng said.
He added that the real leadership of Cope will address the media soon to outline the way forward.
