Alex Matlala
Alex Matlala
Limpopo Premier Sello Moloto has abandoned the ANC for Cope - and Sowetan can confirm that the new party has chosen him as its candidate for the same position.
Moloto, pictured, has been snubbed by the ANC for, among other charges, "failing to accompany President Kgalema Motlanthe" during the party's electioneering campaign in Limpopo over the weekend.
A senior Cope official said: "Yes, he is on our list but I cannot comment further."
The premier has had a troubled history with the faction that took over the ANC at the Polokwane conference in 2007 and has endured regular run-ins with the party's youth league.
Two weeks ago the ANC's provincial executive committee tried to expel Moloto from the party after he lost the provincial chairmanship to Cassel Mathale last year.
Mathale escorted Motlanthe to the rally.
Moloto's spokesman, Philimon Sape, said yesterday that the premier had "not been invited" to the event.
ANC provincial spokesman Ishmael Kgetjepe said Moloto "was informed" about Motlanthe's visit.
ANC Youth League provincial secretary Goodman Mtileni said Moloto had "snubbed" all rallies and visits led by ANC bigwigs since falling from political favour.
Moloto quits ANC and joins Cope
Alex Matlala
Alex Matlala
Limpopo Premier Sello Moloto has abandoned the ANC for Cope - and Sowetan can confirm that the new party has chosen him as its candidate for the same position.
Moloto, pictured, has been snubbed by the ANC for, among other charges, "failing to accompany President Kgalema Motlanthe" during the party's electioneering campaign in Limpopo over the weekend.
A senior Cope official said: "Yes, he is on our list but I cannot comment further."
The premier has had a troubled history with the faction that took over the ANC at the Polokwane conference in 2007 and has endured regular run-ins with the party's youth league.
Two weeks ago the ANC's provincial executive committee tried to expel Moloto from the party after he lost the provincial chairmanship to Cassel Mathale last year.
Mathale escorted Motlanthe to the rally.
Moloto's spokesman, Philimon Sape, said yesterday that the premier had "not been invited" to the event.
ANC provincial spokesman Ishmael Kgetjepe said Moloto "was informed" about Motlanthe's visit.
ANC Youth League provincial secretary Goodman Mtileni said Moloto had "snubbed" all rallies and visits led by ANC bigwigs since falling from political favour.