Alex Matlala

Alex Matlala

In a surprise turn of events, Cope will send its premier candidate for Limpopo, Sello Moloto, to serve the party in Parliament.

Cope, which is now the official opposition in the province, had initially intended to deploy Moloto to Limpopo's legislature.

They will also deploy Cope's provincial convener, Solly Mokhashoa, as their political emissary in the legislature.

Party insiders said Moloto could not serve in the legislature because that would be a demotion.

Cope provincial spokesperson Mabilu Mokwalakwala confirmed yesterday that the party had decided to move Moloto to serve in Parliament.

Though Moloto's move to Parliament will be seen as political promotion, financially it is a demotion for someone who used to be the first citizen of a province, who was chauffeured, had 10 bodyguards, a state vehicle and a state house.

It is also viewed as a demotion because as premier Moloto earned about R900000 a year, excluding perks. And now he will earn about R800000 a year.