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ZIWAPHI • VOL 4 NO 11 • 21 - 27 May 2010

NELSPRUIT

COPE in Mpumalanga has recalled its only representative in the provincial legislature, Zale Madonsela, because she attended the party's national elective conference last month "without a mandate".

Provincial spokesperson Buks Mahlangu said Madonsela was sent a letter on Wednesday in which she was informed of the decision to suspend her from all the party's activities in the province.

“We met last weekend and decided to suspend comrade Zale after failing in our efforts to work with her. The last straw was her decision to undermine the province's resolution not to attend the national elective conference,” said Mahlangu on Thursday.

“We have already informed the national leadership and the legislature about our decision to remove Zale. We will meet this weekend to decide who will replace her in the legislature.”

But Madonsela said she had not received any suspension letter from COPE.

“I will comment on this matter letter after I have seen the letter. But if they are suspending me because I attended the national congress then Buks must also suspend himself because he attended and was seen staging a walkout with Mosiuoa Lekota,” said Madonsela.

In response, Mahlangu said he had attended because it was supposed to be a policy conference and had walked out when a vote of no confidence in Lekota was passed.

He also attacked COPE deputy president Mbhazima Shilowa, saying he was dividing the party and should be suspended.

“We are excited about the decision of the South Gauteng High court to reinstate comrade Lekota to his position as COPE president. COPE in Mpumalanga supports Lekota 100%, and we are calling for the immediate suspension of Shilowa, including those who work with him, for bringing the party into disrepute,” he said.