More ANC members head to Cope

2008-11-25 20:09

Johannesburg - Six ANC members in the North West have quit the party to join the new Congress of the People movement, a Cope spokesperson said on Tuesday.

North West Cope co-ordinator Palesa Morudu said the new members included Nikiwe Mangqo, who is the ANC's deputy secretary in the province and MEC for social development.

"Today (Tuesday) we welcomed six new high-profile ANC members into their new political home."

The other five are ANC provincial executive member Lorraine "Lolo" Mashiane, provincial deputy secretary of the ANC Youth League Sharma Setlhai, provincial ANCYL executive member Bobo Lesufi, regional executive ANC member Washington Ntozini and Sanco member Gabriel Nkgweng.

Morudu said they were expected to give Cope a face in the North West.

"The timing of the strategic withdrawal of these leaders was also designed to help consolidate some key structures and sectors in the province," she said in a statement.

Morudu said the new members were "perfect people" to expedite strengthening the new movement's machinery in the province.

Cope is to be launched as a political party in Bloemfontein on December 16.

Morudu said: "Our organisation is growing at a phenomenal pace and we need seasoned organisers like Ms Mashiane and Ms Mangqo to be able to keep the momentum going."

More "high-profile ANC members" were expected to join. An update of membership numbers in North West would be given soon, Morudu said.

The North West government confirmed Mangqo's resignation.

"The acting premier, Mr Jerry Thibedi, has accepted Ms Mangqo's resignation and thanked her for her contribution," read a statement from the provincial government.

"The province wishes Ms Mangqo everything of the best in her future endeavours."

Comment from the ANC in North West could not be immediately obtained.

- SAPA