Dennis Bloem resigns from COPE over infighting and factionalism

Annisa Essack | kzn@radioislam.org.za
25 August 2023 | 15:45 CAT
1 min read

Photo Credit: Daily Dispatch

Dennis Bloem, the former national spokesperson of the Congress of the People (COPE), has resigned from the party.

Bloem said he was resigning because of the “wrong things” happening in Cope, including infighting and factionalism.

“I have tried my best to change things from within, but it is clear that the party is beyond redemption,” he said.

Bloem’s resignation is the latest blow to COPE, which has been plagued by infighting since its formation in 2008. The party has also been struggling to win elections and currently holds no seats in Parliament.

Bloem is the second high-profile figure to resign from COPE in recent months. In June, the party’s former president, Mosiuoa Lekota, also resigned, citing similar concerns about the party’s direction.

Bloem’s resignation is a further sign of the deep divisions within COPE. It remains to be seen whether the party can overcome these divisions and regain its footing in South African politics.

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