Pityana was part of COPE when it was formed. He and like-minded people were given a chance to come up with a party that would have all the intelligence and competence he says is lacking in the current government. Unfortunately, COPE failed as its leadership did not produce clarity of vision. A power struggle ensued, and COPE collapsed.

Pityana is one of the people who disappeared when distinctive leadership was required to put COPE on the right track. He and other COPE leaders lost a good opportunity to seize the ship and point it in the direction he pictures when he speaks about the failures of the ANC.

Pityana worked with Steve Biko, a great visionary and leader. If he were to hear people like Pityana blame failures on other people while failing to produce credible alternatives, he would be disappointed. - Muzi Zondi, by e-mail