COPE demotes acting Limpopo chairman

THE Congress of the People has demoted its Limpopo acting chairman Solly Mkhatshwa following allegations of inefficiency.

Mkhatshwa has been acting as the party's provincial chairman since former chairman Sello Moloto left the party to become South Africa's Ambassador to Mozambique.

Cope president Mosiuoa Lekota, pictured, and the senior leadership have decided that Mkhatshwa should return to his original position as the party's deputy chairman in Limpopo, and be seconded to the National Council of Provinces in Cape Town.

Cope spokesman Bucks Mahlangu said the decision was taken because of the "continuing problems in Limpopo", including rumours that the party was divided in the province and Mkhatshwa "was not doing his part".

Provincial executive committee member Patrick Sekhutse will become acting provincial chairman.

The changes are likely to affect Cope's efficacy in Limpopo, after influential members - former provincial secretary Matlagolo Mphahlele, former provincial spokesman Ike Kekana and Moloto - left the party to rejoin the African National Congress.