Cope’s former parliamentary national treasurer has appeared in the Bellville Specialised Commercial Crime Court on several charges, including fraud.

Cope has vehemently denied reports that is planning to merge with the DA now that Lindiwe Mazibuko is heading that party’s parliamentary caucus.

Hilda Ndude, who appeared in an iconic photograph the day Mandela was freed, remains loyal to him — but fears that his legacy has been squandered.

The registration of delegates for Cope’s inaugural conference in Bloemfontein was running smoothly, general secretary Charlotte Lobe said on Saturday.