'Mr Shilowa, gave himself powers'

25 June 2010, 19:08

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Congress of the People (Cope) president Mosiuoa Lekota on Friday accused his deputy Mbhazima Shilowa of "inappropriately" taking power over the party's parliamentary funds.

"The Chief Whip in Parliament, Mr Shilowa, gave himself powers... to make himself the principle signatory for funds in Parliament," said Lekota.

He said it was decided on June 14 to advise the bank that Shilowa's "powers" were "inappropriate".

The party then sent a letter to the bank reinstating Lolo Mashiane, Julie Killian, and Dennis Bloem as the signatories to the parliamentary account.

The party's congress national committee (CNC) tried to meet on Friday, but only 27 members were present -- 29 were needed to constitute a quorum, said Cope spokesman Phillip Dexter.

As a result, the meeting was postponed until Friday.

At that meeting, a full, independent audit would be proposed, said Lekota.

He said members of Cope's whippery in Parliament had not been briefed on Shilowa's submission of the "so-called audited status" of the party's parliamentary finances and were not aware that these were being submitted to Parliament on their behalf.

He said the documents had not, in fact, been audited.

It was irregularities in the party's parliamentary finances which prompted Lekota to request that the party's parliamentary money be frozen until further notice.

Lekota said Cope had tabled the letter of resignation of its former parliamentary leader Mvume Dandala. A final consideration on the letter would be made at the CNC meeting.

The ANC-breakaway party's tumultuous past few months have included court action by Lekota to retain his position as president.

His leadership battle with Shilowa has torn the party in two, leaving many unsure about its survival. - Sapa

SATURDAY STAR

Comments by Sonny

That's what almost all premiers in SA do!!!!

One just has to check their 'track records!'