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.

The Weakened Judiciary

Rabia Mayet | rabiamayet@radioislam.co.za 21 May 2026 3-minute read While South Africa grapples with serious allegations of corruption, the Madlanga Commission, and criminal charges involving senior figures in law enforcement, the weakened judiciary has come under...

Middle East Report

22 May 2026 | 11:17 CAT 4-minute read Iran holds firm Iran’s most recent map of the Strait of Hormuz, released by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), declares expanded control over more than 22 000 of maritime space, advancing into the territorial waters of...

Ratepayers warn of boycott over proposed eThekwini tariff hikes

21 May 2026 | 12:57 CAT 2-minute read Frustration over proposed tariff increases and ongoing service delivery concerns spilled onto the streets of Durban as ratepayers and civic organisations marched to City Hall in protest against eThekwini Municipality’s draft...

The Asia Pacific Report

21 May 2026 | 11:40 CAT 1-minute read The plight of the Rohingya remains one of the world’s longest-running humanitarian crises, with growing concerns over safety, accountability and the future of millions of displaced people. Speaking on Radio Islam International’s...

The Africa Report

19 May 2026 | 11:46 CAT 4-minute read Digital fraud crisis in Africa Africa is experiencing a rapidly accelerating digital fraud crisis as cybercriminals exploit the continent's booming mobile connectivity. Driven by AI tools, deepfakes, and social engineering, fraud...

Middle East Report

15 May 2026 | 11:45 CAT 3-minute read Strait of Hormuz: a competition of endurance The 2026 conflict in the Strait of Hormuz has devolved into a high-stakes war of attrition between the United States and Iran, marked by a collapsed, fragile ceasefire and persistent...