Date: 15/04/2011
Source: The Congress of the People
Title: Cope: Lekota: Address by the Cope president, to the people of Petrusville, Northern Cape

The issue of corruption was high on Lekota's agenda as he led COPE's campaign trail through a number of towns the party believes it can win in the upcoming local government elections.

"The money that is meant for roads, houses and the development of our communities is not getting to the people who need it most. Corruption hurts everyone, regardless of their political affiliation. Another five years of the ANC in charge of our municipalities is a lifetime too long. The time for change is now."

Lekota said that the promise of a better life for all that was made in 1994, has become a "better life for some" through the actions corrupt leaders. "Instead of involving communities in development, the ANC chooses to dump food parcels on people just before every election. We don't just get hungry every time there is an election."

Lekota was eager to drive home the main points of COPE's manifesto to voters: stopping corruption, appointing people with skills in municipalities and involving communities in development through partnerships.

He said that COPE is growing daily in the Northern Cape. "Few people realise the importance of this election, especially in this province. We have an opportunity to remove the ANC and its corruption in many of the municipalities in the province. COPE is the only party capable of doing this now, in this election. We are calling for partnerships between taxpayers and poor communities, because the mismanagement of our municipalities hurts everyone."

Lekota's campaign trail took him through the towns of De Aar, Phillipstown, Petrusville and Strydenburg. Part of the programme included the introduction of COPE councillor candidates to communities.