When Mosiuoa Lekota and Mbhazima Shilowa resigned from the ANC to form a new party, the Congress of the People, everyone thought the party would address issues that were neglected by their former party.

This especially considering that the ANC had become extremely corrupt and arrogant and disregarded the voters in decision making.

The ruling party ignored the will of the people by passing unpopular laws dissolving the Scorpions and allowing the termination of pregnancy and same-sex marriages, among others.

A true democracy values public participation - a government for the people by the people.

The launch of Cope has brought hope to the country.

The new party will manage to curtail the ANC's powers and bolster our democratic dispensation, especially given the fact that most supporters of the party have crossed over from the former.

I am disappointed that Cope has not yet unveiled its manifesto, but it has signalled that it is targeting a certain section of our population.

According to Mbazima Shilowa's proclamation, there is nothing wrong with a party targeting the elites, middle class and the rich.

If this is the road they will take, then surely the country still needs a political party that will address the core issues of the majority.

Phillimon Mnisi,

Johannesburg