Cope is failing its own first test of their manifesto before the general elections.

Cope is failing its own first test of their manifesto before the general elections.

Their manifesto states that Cope will depoliticise the public service and will not allow government employees to belong to trade unions aligned to political parties.

Notwithstanding that this would run contrary to the constitutional and labour relations provisions on the right of individuals to association, Cope is adamant that the provision means respect and the defence of democracy and the Constitution.

Weekend papers reported that Cope members in the Presidency were seen by colleagues producing thousands of promotional materials, using state resources. This proves that they do not walk the talk on the party's manifesto. Can we trust Cope with clean governance and vote for the party after this?

Voters are better informed this time around, having voted in three democratic elections and can distinguish between liars and tested parties.

The three persons named and shamed by the Saturday Star should be dismissed for bringing the Presidency and the country into disrepute and also for abusing state resources.

We have never before heard of parties using state resources for election campaigns until Cope was established. How will they teach their members the difference between party and state resources?

Risenga Maruma, Tshwane