The Congress of the People will, in line, with the imperatives of the moment and taking into account the current mood of hostility and antagonism in our current political and public discourse launch a monthly letter from former Robben Islander, treason trialist. Mandela acolyte and Current President of COPE, Mosioua Lekota.

Lekota is arguably the most senior politician and struggle veteran currently serving our 5th democratic Parliament in the trenches.

Without doubt, his guiding hand will continue to keep the nation on course as it seeks answers to the pressing imperatives of our maturing constitutional democracy at this time of great economic challenges.

Notwithstanding the current resurgence of countrywide protests in our country, there is a dearth of fresh political ideas and reflective writing. The departure of President Thabo Mbeki from the political stage has left a vacuum. 

We have no doubt that the nation will learn a lot from his wisdom and the fundamental and strategic correctness of pressing for a social democratic future for South Africa. Those who have had the privilege to sit with him around a campfire will attest to his deep personal knowledge of political development in our country arising from his own personal experiences as well as that which he imbibed from his iconic seniors.

As danger begins to beckon from every side, President Lekota will reflect on his experience and share his views and vision with the nation.

He could very well have remained within government and become part of the tyranny and aggrandizement of the majority. He chose the harder path to remain true to the constitution and a champion of deep democratic values.

We trust that a cross-section of South Africans and likeminded Social Democrats will read his letter and engage with us on the issues he raises. The grotesque lumpen militancy that has usurped our national discourse can only cause us to slide down the slope. We need to walk the path Mandela led us on so that we reach our true potential and that is where Mr Lekota will keep directing the nation. We must remember that Mr Lekota shared the cell opposite Nelson Mandela and his many hours of uninterrupted discussion with the father of our nation needs airing for our benefit.

Please visit our Face book page and Website at Congress of the people to access the letters and to share these with your readers. We shall publish the first letter on 4 September 2015 and every month, on the first Friday, thereafter.

Issued by COPE