COPE optimistic it can recover lost ground
The party has appointed Teboho Loate as its interim leader, following Mosiuoa Lekota's decision to step back from politics.
Lekota has been unwell and battling an undisclosed illness, prompting the organisation to find an interim replacement.
COPE party received under 1% of the vote in the most recent general elections, resulting in the loss of its parliamentary representation.
This was a sharp decline from its first election in 2009, when it received more than 1.3 million votes and 30 seats in the National Assembly.
READ: COPE appoints Loate as interim leader after Lekota steps back to focus on his health
With leader Lekota unwell and stepping back from politics, many believe the party will never bounce back.
But Loate insists the party can once again appeal to South Africans.
"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."
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