THE Congress of the People (Cope) has postponed its elective congress.
The party decided to set a new date at a two-day strategic congress national committee (CNC) meeting held from 6 to 7 December in Joburg.
Cope acting general-secretary Eric Mohlapamaswi pointed out that the leadership used the meeting to reflect on the organisation's current position and reviewed progress in efforts to rebuild and reposition the organisation.
He said that, as the highest decision-making body between national congresses, the CNC adopted a resolution to postpone the party's national elective congress due to the state of readiness in the provinces and their constituencies.
Mohlapamaswi said the postponement is intended to allow additional time for adequate preparation.
The elective congress will now be held from 25 to 26 April 2026, and all provincial congresses must be convened on or before 29 March 2026.
"We are determined to stabilise the party's leadership, currently led by Cope leader Teboho Loate, before the 2026 Local Government Elections."
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Loate was appointed as interim leader in August.
Founding leader Mosiuoa Lekota is stepping back due to health reasons.
Mohlapamaswi emphasised that their objective is to rebuild and reposition Cope as an effective political alternative for all South Africans.
"We remain steadfast in our belief that Cope represents credible social democratic values, and together we can build prosperity for all," he said.
"It's time for citizens to join and support a party that is reliable, accountable, and led by incorruptible leadership."
He stated that the party is poised to return strongly after the 2026 local government elections.
Mohlapamaswi said: "We will continue to be the voice of the voiceless and of South Africans at large. Cope will play a vigilant watchdog role to ensure that the current government serves the people's interests."
"We are getting back on course and will bounce back. We call on communities to continue rallying behind Cope. Our public representatives will be more visible on the ground, fighting for the rights of our communities. Preparations for the next local government elections have already begun. Cope has drawn lessons from past mistakes, and mitigation plans are now in place."
