COPE eyes fresh start with new interim leader


The Congress of the People’s (COPE) National Committee has appointed Teboho Loate as interim leader until the December 2025 elective congress.

Founding leader, Mosiuoa Lekota is stepping back due to health reasons.

Speaking at a media briefing in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, the party reaffirmed its core values of non-racialism and clean governance, vowing zero tolerance for corruption.

Loate says this marks a leadership renewal aimed at restoring public trust ahead of the 2026 elections.

“This appointment marks the start of a new leadership phase for COPE, one that builds on our founding values whilst responding to the urgent needs of our country, today. We speak for the many South Africans who feel ignored, who no longer vote because they don’t believe any party represents them,” says Loate.

He says they want to offer a real national alternative that puts people first and helps lead South Africa towards unity and prosperity.