PRETORIA — The Congress of the People (COPE) has backtracked on its earlier statement that its president, Mosiuoa Lekota, had been suspended with party deputy Willie Madisha accused of spreading divisions.
The party issued a statement earlier Monday saying the reason for his suspension was the role he played in the party split.
The announcement came amid growing pressure on Lekota to step down as party leader.
But the party’s national leader, Teboho Loate, said the previous statement had been made by Vice President Madisha – in a hasty and desperate attempt to save his own skin and that of his clique.
Loate accused Madisha of trying to confuse the public by spreading untruths.
Recently, members of the COPE Congressional Committees constituency in Gauteng called for the resignation of Lekota.
This was decided at a meeting in July, which discussed the challenges of party growth, reconstruction and renewal.
But Loate dismissed the dubious resolution adding that Lekota will retain his position and function as party leader in parliament.
