The Congress of the People (COPE) leadership under siege: the beginning of the end?

Abstract

• Summary: The article attempts to respond to the controversy of leadership squabbles within the ranks of the Congress of the People (COPE). For the past few years, COPE has become the home of divisions, factions and character assassination. It is argued in the article that based on the malicious practices by some leaders of this organisation, it might lose the realisation of its fundamental vision as an alternative voice for South Africa. It is contended that COPE is not divided along the lines of ideological differences, but due to leadership personalities and preferences.