Cope on skids in Mpumalanga

Cope in Mpumalanga is in disarray, with three prominent members out on bail—two of whom have been suspended from the party—and a fourth recalled from the only seat the party occupies in the provincial legislature.

On April 3 Bheki Malaza opened a case of theft against fellow party member Murrel Zitha and provincial Cope youth chairperson Sibusiso Shakwane, after they gave a laptop to the police crime intelligence unit probing regional chairperson James Nkambule. The two were arrested on charges of theft and released on bail of R500.

Nkambule is also out on bail, facing charges related to the alleged Mpumalanga “hit list”.

But Shakwane accused Malaza of using the theft charge to settle a personal score. “When I was appointed as Cope researcher in the legislature last year, Malaza wanted his girlfriend to be appointed as secretary in the legislature,” Shakwane said. “I refused and from then he has been trying to make my life miserable. This case has nothing to do with me removing a computer but everything to do with his girlfriend.”

Shakwane also accused Malaza, former provincial chairperson Sizile Ndlovu and provincial secretary Buks Mahlangu of recalling Cope’s only member of the legislature, Zale Madonsela, without cause.

“These people are bitter and greedy souls who will do anything to access resources,” said Shakwane.

Mahlangu confirmed that it had been decided to recall Madonsela during a meeting in Emalahleni on Monday. “She has failed to represent us as we expected of her. We wanted her to account and report back to the party on financial issues, among others.

“More than R500 000 of the Cope constituency allowance went back to the control of the legislature because Madonsela made it look like the party is failing to manage its funds properly. We have lost confidence in her.” He said the party would reveal the reasons for Madonsela’s recall “when the time is right”.

Madonsela said she had instructed the legislature not to transfer R408 000 to Cope’s bank account for the third and fourth quarter last year because the party was not registered with the South African Revenue Service, as required by law.

“I asked the legislature to administer the funds on our behalf until we are registered,” she said. “The auditors will prove I did not misuse any money. This is character assassination.” —African Eye News Service