LET'S BUILD PROSPERITY FOR ALL!!
COPE HAS A NEW LEADER
COPE LAUNCHES LEADERSHIP RENEWAL AND PLANS AHEAD OF 2026 ELECTIONS
The Congress National Committee (CNC) of the Congress of the People (COPE) met in Johannesburg on the 9th and 10th of August 2025 to continue rebuilding and repositioning COPE as a strong, honest and people-focused political party. Our goal is clear: to restore public trust, strengthen our organisation, and prepare COPE to play a meaningful role in South Africa’s future.
The CNC has agreed to appoint Comrade Teboho Loate as Interim Leader until the Elective Congress in December 2025. President Mosiuoa Lekota, a founding leader and respected figure in our democratic struggle, is currently focusing on his health as he has not been well. We honour his legacy and call on all South Africans to do the same.
This appointment marks the start of a new leadership phase for COPE, one that builds on our founding values while responding to the urgent needs of the country today.
Since 2008, COPE has stood for non-racialism, non-sexism, respect for the Constitution, clean government, and the direct election of leaders.
These values are even more important now, as our politics have become full of corruption, empty promises, and leaders who put themselves before the people. COPE rejects this kind of politics.
We speak for the many South Africans who feel ignored, who no longer vote because they don’t believe any party represents them. We want to offer a real, national alternative that puts people first and helps lead South Africa towards unity and prosperity.
Our country is in crisis. Since 2009, and under the current Government of National Unity, the ANC has steadily weakened the state and destroyed public trust. Corruption, joblessness, poor infrastructure, and collapsing public services are now the daily experience for most people.
Despite big speeches, government leaders have failed to offer a real plan to fix the economy, reduce inequality, or rebuild trust. Even the so-called National Dialogue risks being taken over by the same people who caused this mess. South Africans deserve more than repeated promises. They deserve honest leaders, clear plans, and real action.
COPE believes South Africa can be rebuilt, but only if we have leaders who are honest, skilled, and truly accountable to the people.
Our top priorities are simple and urgent
· Direct election of the President, Premiers, and Mayors – to ensure leaders are directly accountable to the people, not party elites.
· Zero tolerance for corruption – no leader is above the law, regardless of their position.
· Reindustrialising the economy and creating jobs – with a focus on green economy, skills development and reviving manufacturing.
· Fixing essential public services – including electricity, water, transport, policing, and healthcare.
· Building national unity and social cohesion – by healing divisions and promoting a non-racial, inclusive society.
Every CNC member has committed to taking strong action over the next 18 months, leading up to the 2026 local elections.
We will bring unity by finalising leadership issues before year-end and ensuring COPE speaks with one clear message: Clean Government, Direct Democracy and Jobs for All.
We will also rebuild our base by rolling out the membership plan, tracking local work, and making sure our constituencies are active and strong. COPE will be more visible, speaking out every day on national issues through all media platform including social media. We’ll also begin early talks with like-minded parties to shape local government in 2026 and beyond. On the economy, we will finish our reindustrialisation plan and partner with business and civil society to make it a reality.
We understand why many South Africans have lost faith in politics. You’re tired of broken promises. But we believe there is a better path, a third way between the current failed establishment and dangerous populism. That path is built on honesty, responsibility and real solutions.
COPE was born from a refusal to accept betrayal in politics that led to this current state of affairs. In 2009, over 1.3 million South Africans trusted us with their votes. That spirit is still alive. We want to earn your trust again, not with words, but with action. In the coming months, you’ll see a COPE that is active, visible and fighting for the people.
South Africa is in deep trouble, but it can be saved. The 2026 elections won’t just be about winning seats. They will be about whether we move forward into a new era of honest and effective government. COPE is ready to lead that change.
As we leave this CNC meeting, our mission is clear: no more delays, no more half-measures. Every COPE leader and member will spare neither energy nor effort to work hard in their communities to show that a better future is not only possible, but it is also within reach.
History has given us another chance to fulfil the promise we made when COPE was born. We will not waste it.
Meet the new COPE leader, Mr Teboho Loate
Teboho Loate is a seasoned public servant, educationist and political leader with over four decades of impactful service across the spheres of education, civil society and government. Born in Alexandra Township, Johannesburg, he has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership in governance, community development and public administration.
Loate began his professional journey as a teacher at Makajane Primary School in Bultfontein in 1977, rising through the ranks to become Headmaster at Lefikeng High School (1986–1991). His contributions to education extend beyond the classroom, having co-founded the NEED Programme and served as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees for Language Methods and Programmes (1991–2002).
An advocate for lifelong learning, Loate earned multiple qualifications from the University of the Free State, including an Advanced Diploma in Public Administration (1999), a Certificate in Public Policy Management (2000), a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Leadership (2003), and a Postgraduate Diploma in Governance and Political Transformation (2014).
He also plans to pursue an LLB degree at the same institution. His academic portfolio is further strengthened by international training at institutions such as the University of London, University of Leicester, Brathay Development Institute (UK), and through the Eisenhower Fellowship in the United States.
Loate’s career in public administration is marked by a series of senior roles in the Free State Provincial Government, including Director of Policy (1996), Director of Crime Prevention and Community Liaison (2001–2004), Director of Communications (2004–2005), and Chief Director of Corporate Services in the Department of Sport, Arts Culture and Recreation (2005 onwards).
He has been deeply involved in civil society and community development initiatives. He played leadership roles in the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU), co-founded the Botshabelo Progressive Teachers Union (BOPTU), and served as Chairperson of the Free State Rural Development Forum. His commitment to justice and democratic development is further reflected in his tenure as Free State Provincial Director of the Institute for Democracy in South Africa (IDASA) from 1993 to 1996.
A lifelong political activist, Loate was involved in the 1976 student uprising and was detained in Kokstad. He has actively participated in the UDF, ANC, SACP and SANCO, and played a key role in resisting the incorporation of Botshabelo into QwaQwa. In 2008, he became one of the founding members of the Congress of the People (COPE), where he has held several key positions, including Secretary for the Motheo Region, Provincial Treasurer, National Treasurer (Acting) and currently, National Chairman since 2019.
He served as a Member of Parliament from 2023 to 2024, representing COPE and contributing to various portfolio committees.
Loate also contributed significantly to higher education governance, serving on the Council of the Central University of Technology, Free State (1999–2014), and as Chairperson from 2000 to 2010. His leadership extended across critical committees including Human Resources, Finance and Remuneration.
Teboho Loate is widely respected for his integrity, strategic foresight, and lifelong commitment to social justice, transformation and democratic governance in South Africa.
- Teboho Loate
