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The CWC of COPE met on 22 February 2010 in Cape Town. Aside from the standing issues on the agenda, the CWC discussed the current squabbles in the ruling party, where various figures are leaking information about each others personal financial interests to the media. While the issue of financial transparency of leaders is a matter of public interest, the CWC noted the fact that the ruling party is not dealing with this issue transparently or in a principled manner. Half of its current NEC have business interests and in particular do business with the government, yet none of these are being disclosed and dealt with. It is high time all these interests were disclosed to the public, including the interests of the ruling party's own business relationships, such as those with Hitachi. The issue is not only whether individuals are MPs or Ministers. it is about public representatives especially those from the ruling party doing business with government. These revelations show the extent to which the ruling party is being used to peddle influence and to facilitate corrupt accumulation of wealth for individuals. The rot that now pervades the ruling party, the government and its allies is plain for all to see.

The CWC also noted the attacks by COSATU on the countries public servants, in particular those who work in the National Treasury. This blatantly insulting behaviour aimed at professionals who serve this country with impartiality and diligence is unwarranted. Such behaviour is reckless and populist. The CWC resolved that COPE will do all in its power to defend pubic servants who do their jobs well. We call on South Africans to join hands with us as we endeavour to ensure professionalisation and depolitisazation of the public sector.

The CWC discussed the issue of international and national days that have been hijacked by the ruling party for its narrow interests. COPE calls on the people of South Africa to make suggestions on how we can celebrate these days in a manner that unifies our people and does not promote the partisan interests of the ruling party and its allies. International Women's Day is nearly upon us and this should be recognized and celebrated by all South Africans.

The recent events surrounding the President of the ANC confirm that the COPE vision articulated during the national elections, of separating issues of party and state and the issue of electoral reform, especially the direct election of the President of the Republic by the people, are even more relevant now than before.

Preparations for the 2nd National Congress of the party continue to gather steam, with the continued establishment of branches and policy discussions in provinces. Following the decision of the extended Congress National Committee to hold the congress by no later than the end of May, the CWC has set the date of the Congress from 27th to 30th May 2010. The preparations for the Policy Indaba were also noted. The CWC also noted the final program of action as adopted by the CNC that is to guide the party for 2010.

The CWC received a report on the behaviour of the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, the Honourable Nomaindia Mfeketo M.P. over the last week. Not only has she abused her powers by flagrantly disregarding the rights of MPs in silencing the Honourable Mluleki George M.P., leading to a walk out by the opposition parties, but it appears that she also misled parliament about the vote on the Inspector General of Intelligence. In this regard, while presiding, the Deputy Speaker ruled that the vote had been carried by the required two thirds majority. It then turned out that this was not the case as members of the ruling party had voted twice to inflate the numbers, something discovered by the parliamentary staff. Fancy footwork to cover this up followed, but it was clear that the issue had been incorrectly reported as carried on the day before. The CWC has instructed COPE's M.P.'s to take this issue up especially on what action to take against these members who tried to cheat by voting more than once. If the ruling party can cheat in Parliament then how much more so will it be prepared to do so in the coming local government elections?

The CWC expressed its support for the proposed vote of no confidence in the President of the Republic as it is clear that neither he nor his fellow party leaders takes his office or responsibility seriously. The continued abuse of power such as has been witnessed in Parliament is exactly what COPE has been warning the electorate about. The people of South Africa and the members of Parliament in particular need to rise up and demand more from their leaders. Good governance is not just about financial administration, something this government is not good at either, but it is about leadership and setting a higher standard. The country faces a choice between its reputation and scandalous behaviour as general conduct. The reason for COPE raising this issue and the vote of no confidence in particular is to protect the office of the President and through this the Constitution. The CWC agrees with the sentiments contained in the statements of Archbishop Napier of the Roman Catholic Church as well as Archbishop Makgoba of the Anglican Church on behalf of their conferences and congregations. We call on other formations as well as civil society to follow suit.

The meeting also received reports from the departments of the party, from the Women's Movement in relation to activities planned for 8 March, International Women's Day and from the Youth Movement on the launch of the Thumamina Campaign due to take place on 27 February in Limpopo. Details of these will be provided to the media in due course.