Like politics – business is not known to be a pretty affair. A fair share of us must be familiar with the phrase ‘politics is a dirty business’. Do you think it exists merely because someone thought it would be great to string those words together?
Look at the impasse that Congress of the People (COPE) now finds itself in. There are numerous ‘leaders’, all to varying degrees seeking control over the party which has currently been sucked dry of any spark it may have had before. Could this be a phase before the death of the party or is this a mere stumbling block which will soon be overcome?
Those within COPE need to ask themselves, if the elections were a month from today, would they still perform as well as they did last year?
Party president Mosiuoa Lekota and deputy Mbhazima Shilowa are clearly not fans of one another. I wish I could document a blow by blow account of their rocky relationship, but I probably don’t even know the half of it.
In brief: Lekota accused Mbhazima of possibly fiddling with money. A debate over whether or not to hold an elective conference became news. Mbhazima and camp lodged a vote of no confidence against Lekota, which the court later nullified.
What a circus! I know of clowns at children’s parties, but I think COPE took this one too literally. This is politics – some may have to be dropped along the way – deal with it. A swift exit may not be all bad, Mr Lekota and camp. It seems you are no longer wanted.
Politics: you fight, and then those not aligned with you find reason to plot revenge – and sometimes your subsequent downfall. It is not always that you find the strength to rise again. One wonders if there is some kind of addiction to control here or if it is just the nature of politics (as we know it).
Parliamentary leader Mvume Dandala has recently added his name to the list of those who saw some kind of light and took a stance to resign. Reverend, you know that the church doors are always open. Perhaps politics is not your niche?
As for options available to COPE, it’s simple. Those who run things – whoever they may be – can continue on their path to destructing the party (as they seem to be doing) or they can redeem themselves and restore the ‘hope’ of their supporters.
In 1989, the aftermath of the recession left American property mogul Donald Trump battling to meet loan repayments. Times were tough. Money in its purest form was not common commodity. It was not a pretty time for business. Had he held a checklist, it would most likely read: business bankruptcy, check; personal bankruptcy, highly possible. It was at a point in his life where he could have closed shop and moved on to something else. He didn’t – look at him now.
Cope is the official opposition in five of South Africa’s nine provinces, which means it has a responsibility to those who voted for it. If COPE were a house it would be built by cement mixed with fizzy drinks sold at snacks stands at the circus. The party obviously benefited mostly from impulse voters, but that does not mean it is hopeless.
When it was launched on December 16 2008, COPE looked like it could be God’s answer to – among others – those who were not keen on being ruled by current South African president Jacob Zuma. Any current affairs follower knows he is a man no stranger to controversy – be it to do with allegations of rape or corruption. Sorry to say this, but right now Zuma must be grinning with satisfaction, saying “in your face!”
What happens from hereon? COPE, please assist.
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