COPE to discuss Bay protests

The national leadership of COPE will meet this weekend to discuss, among other things, the divisions in the Nelson Mandela Bay region over the party’s sole seat in council.

This was revealed by COPE leader Mosiuoa Lekota following a picket by party members outside the Bay council chambers yesterday.

Divisions in the party’s Bay region reached a turning point yesterday as two groups gathered outside the Wool Board building where a council meeting was under way.

One supported councillor Siyasanga Sijadu and the other, regional chairman Khwezi Ntshanyana.

About 100 members supporting Ntshanyana picketed, while a second group of 10 people backing Sijadu distanced themselves from the first group.

Lekota said COPE’s national leaders were aware of problems in the region.

“This matter will be attended to over the weekend when the national office meets. There are a lot of issues and we are aware of the unhappiness.