Cope leader recalled by supporters

By Nomava Nobumba
30 May 2010

Political analysts say the fact that supporters of Cope Deputy President Mbhazima Shilowa recalled party leader Mosioua Lekota and lodged a vote of no confidence in his leadership spells the political end for the man who brought the party into being.

Yesterday’s round of the Cope national conference in Irene, outside Pretoria, was marred with controversy and even violence after Lekota was granted a court interdict stopping delegates from electing new national leaders.

But Shilowa says he and his followers will continue with the conference despite not holding an election.