COPE partners with traditional leaders ahead of 2024 elections

The Congress of the People (COPE) has formed a coalition with the traditional leader’s group, Freedom in South Africa (FISA), to advocate a new system of rule in South Africa.

The party has postponed the launch of its election manifesto, which was scheduled to be held in Hammanskraal in Tshwane on Saturday to avoid potential disasters such as “stampedes.” according to reports.

The Congress of the People (COPE) has postponed the launch of its election manifesto that was scheduled to be held in Hammanskraal in Tshwane on Saturday.https://t.co/eH9weDfj2s

— SABC News (@SABCNews) March 23, 2024

NO RECOGNITION OF FROM GOVERNMENT – SAYS FISA

The coalition between COPE and FISA was announcement in Houghton, Johannesburg on Friday where traditional leaders highlighted their views and wishes for the country to be ruled by kingdoms and royal houses according to The Citizen.

“In the whole of Transvaal, we are nowhere to be seen because of the government. They destroy traditional leaders to make sure that they take control of land and minerals in the country, and that is why we continue to suffer,” said FISA leader Monnye Nthai Malatji, who spoke on behalf of the traditional leaders.

He said that traditional leader had tried to communicate with the government to get recognition, but their efforts were in vain. Malatji noted that traditional leaders were deprived of their land and basic services. Therefore, they felt that a paradigm shift in politics was necessary.

‘NO POSITIVE RESPONSE TO ISSUES RAISED BY TRADITIONAL LEADERS’ – COPE

“After raising our issues professionally with the government without any positive response, we decided to join politics and battle for political power because that is the only language they understand,” said Malatji.

He said that instead of having a president as the head of state, the leaders proposed the introduction of a prime minister who would work under the United Kingdom to govern the country’s politics and economy.

“This system would prioritize the protection of South Africa’s sovereignty, as well as the wellbeing of its people, their jobs, businesses, services, and the maintenance of law and order,” he added.

The publication also reported that COPE leader, Mosiuoa Lekota, affirmed the party’s readiness and commitment for the upcoming elections schedule to take place on 29 May..

‘ALLIANCE WITH COPE WILL BRING POSITIVE CHANGE FOR THE PEOPLE,’ SAYS MALATJI

Lekota said every South African, regardless of their socioeconomic status or education level, deserves the right to vote. Even the “lowest members in society must participate in the running of affairs in the country,” he said..

Expressing gratitude to Cope for the opportunity to collaborate, the traditional leaders believe that this alliance will bring about positive change and serve the interests of their people.

“The kingdoms are the custodians of the land, we have the divine rights to lead the people,” said Malatji.