Lekota back in Parliament

By Olona Vika
16 July 2010

Congress of the people (Cope) president Mosioua Lekota goes back in parliament. This follows the resignation of the Parliamentary leader Mvume Dandala.

Lekota told the media that he has not been discharged of his duties instead he has need given an extra responsibility of working inside and outside parliament. He will be officially sworn in as MP next week.

Lekota is not a stranger in Parliament. He served as the Defence Minister from 1999 to 2008 before he resigned from the African National Congress.

He also assured the journalist that under no circumstances is Cope going to split. This statement was contradictory to the one of Mvume Dandala saying that he found it very sad that the divisions within the party have deteriorated to a point where devisions are so great that they threaten a split.

Lekota also said that the forensic audit of Cope’s finances continues. With this a decision has been made that during the audit Mbazima Shilowa will be temporarily relieved of f his duties as the Chief whip.

The Forensic audit came after parliament found 32 regularities with the parties audited financial Statements.

Lekota concluded by saying that there have been points of differences in the party but there is surely no bitterness.