Cope’s presidential candidate, Bishop Mvume Dandala. Photograh: Lisa Skinner
The Mail & Guardian quizzes Bishop Mvume Dandala about his move from religion to politics.
How did you get involved with the Congress of the People (Cope)?
From the time Cope was established, I looked at it with interest, but not with the intention of joining. As a church minister I didn’t believe it was right to be a member of the party and continue my ministerial work. Later, though, various people started talking about the need for those with strong beliefs about what we should be doing and agree with the position Cope is putting forward to consider becoming members. This year people started putting more pressure on me and I changed the decision at the beginning of February.
What convinced you to move into politics?
I’d stuck very strongly on a non-partisan position. But then it became clear that instead of waiting until there are problems to intervene in, why shouldn’t some of us take the plunge and become involved in policymaking and service delivery? I found a lot of merit in this argument. Cope offers us a chance to build something new from scratch. Unfortunately, the parties we have tend to have their own history. Very few have demonstrated they have the real potential to be an alternative government. When I was listening and judging the people’s mood I felt Cope has a real chance of not only being an opposition party, but an alternative government.
What do you bring to the party?
Experience as a leader, passion for a united country, passion for service delivery to the people. I believe we’ll achieve these if we’re in government.
Your role after the elections?
I expect to be the president of South Africa.
And if Cope doesn’t win?
We’ll sit down as leaders and decide how best we should allocate ourselves for maximum effectiveness as an opposition.
Some say you got this position because of your close relationship with Thabo Mbeki.
I haven’t discussed Cope with Thabo Mbeki.
Wasn’t Terror Lekota initially uncomfortable with you as presidential candidate?
All I was aware of is that there were discussions about who the party believes should have the responsibility of being presidential candidate. Mr Lekota explained clearly that it was imperative that members of the party are consulted and the proper processes [are] in place in taking this decision. I don’t see robust debate as divisions. Mr Lekota said quite categorically that he has never stood against my name; I’ve no reason not to believe that. He’ll hold us together as our leader.
This is becoming a dirty election. Are there skeletons in your cupboard?
As a teenager I did have a love child who was attended to by my parents and the girl’s. My parents sat me down and taught me a few things about values. Beyond that, I’m a human being like everybody else.
There might be things I don’t know about, but I’m quite prepared to stand before the people and say: ”You can trust me with the leadership of government.”
Why should voters choose you over Jacob Zuma?
I don’t want to compare myself with Mr Zuma. Rather, I want to say that I hope the people will believe in the principles Cope is putting forward for clean governance, that they’ll have faith that I’ll keep their trust in running a government that seeks to work according to their ideals.
Do you have sleepless nights about your new responsibility?
Who wouldn’t? If you’re given the responsibility to care for the people’s welfare and lead a government that will steward the life, resources and everything that belongs to the people, you can never take that for granted. You’re always on your knees.