Four COPE candidates defect to UDM
The Congress of the People (COPE) in the Mbashe local municipality in the Eastern Cape has been dealt a heavy blow with at least four of its candidates in the upcoming local government elections defecting to the UDM. The four candidates - Monde Sofute (Ward 10)‚ Asemahle Mashece (Ward 5)‚ Andile Dyani (Ward 9) and Vuyo Peter (Ward 2) - were officially welcomed to the UDM by its president‚ Bantu Holomisa‚ in the Dutywa Town Hall.Also among the defectors was long-serving and vocal COPE councillor in Mbashe‚ Nkosinathi Ndlodaka‚ and scores of other party members who decided to follow suit and cut ties with the party.A beaming Holomisa said the defectors‚ particularly those who had been included as ward candidates for COPE‚ would bring a wealth of experience to the UDM."They have worked with communities. Their decision shows they are not looking at enriching themselves but are concerned with the well-being of the communities they serve‚" he said.Meanwhile‚ Ndlodaka said the defectors were hoping to help the UDM to wrest control of the Mbashe local authority from the ruling ANC."Because of political challenges‚ we came to this decision [defecting]. There was no other place to go to than the UDM‚" he said...
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