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.

09 July 2025
To all media houses.

CONGRESS OF THE PEOPLE APPOINTS COMRADE TEBOHO LOATE AS ACTING DEPUTY PRESIDENT

For Immediate Release

The Congress National Committee (CNC) of the Congress of the People (COPE) has appointed Comrade Teboho Loate as Acting Deputy President,… pic.twitter.com/DmefUr1NPu

— Congress of the People (@COPE_RSA) July 9, 2025