The Congress of the People has gained another high-profile politician. Simon Grindrod, the deputy president of the Independent Democrats (ID), announced his resignation in Cape Town on Thursday afternoon. He is also a member of Cape Town’s mayoral committee.
ID spokesperson Steven Otter said in a statement on Thursday evening that Grindrod had said his resignation had been an extremely difficult decision and that it in no way reflected on the president, leadership or his colleagues in the ID.
He said that Grindrod had stated that his resignation was a personal decision in order to grasp the opportunity of working for Cope.
”As much as we are surprised and disappointed by Mr Grindrod’s resignation, the ID has many capable candidates to take over his duties,” said the statement.
”Mr Grindrod was the second of two ID deputy presidents and the first deputy president, Ms Agnes Tsamai will continue serving in that position.
”Our membership currently stands at 238Â 000 members from all sectors of South African society and is growing on a daily basis.”
”The Independent Democrats is a young party with a proven track record of fighting for the poor and for social justice.
Grindrod’s decision to join Cope could weaken sentiments that the new movement is a party for disgruntled African National Congress members.
Grindrod is the mayoral committee member for economic development and tourism. His other portfolios for the city include arts and culture, property management and informal trading. He also sits on the board of the Khayelitsha Community Trust.
He was the ID’s mayoral candidate in the Cape Town Metro during the 2006 local government elections.