×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

'COPE NOT INTO COALITION'

Cope is "not" considering forming a coalition with the ANC after the general elections, says its presidential candidate Mvume Dandala.

Cope is "not" considering forming a coalition with the ANC after the general elections, says its presidential candidate Mvume Dandala.

Dandala told a packed auditorium at the University of Pretoria yesterday that media reports stating otherwise were examples of how "some people listen selectively".

He had previously said, when he was asked if a coalition with any party was on the cards: "This is not the time to talk about coalitions yet."

When he had been pressed on an affiliation with the ANC, he had said his party's eyes were fixed on doing well in the general elections but that a coalition with any party that "implicitly" held the same values as Cope "could be considered".

However, Dandala yesterday went on to explain how ANC values differed from Cope. "Given what we were expecting over the past 15 years [of ANC rule], does anyone here honestly believe that the ANC can live up to these values that we are talking about?" he asked the crowd to loud applause and whistling.

He said it was "beyond optimistic" for the ANC to try, in the six weeks leading up to the April 22 elections, to convince voters that it had succeeded in its efforts to improve the lives of all South Africans.

Dandala's earlier comment - on the issue of a potential coalition - prompted DA leader Helen Zille last week to challenge Cope on whether this was indeed their intention.

"I do believe there is a possibility that Cope may form a coalition with the ANC . Dandala's statement about going into coalition lends credence to that belief, as does his general attitude towards the ANC," she said at the time. - Sapa

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.