A number of former COPE members have joined Al Jama-ah. [Picture: SABC]
The Gauteng chairperson of political party Al Jama-ah has said the recent entrance of former Congress of the People (COPE) members into the fold was a show of confidence in the party’s ability to govern.
The new recruits include COPE’s now-former leaders in Johannesburg. The chairperson, deputy chairperson, secretary, treasurer and others have shifted over, according to a statement by Al Jama-ah.
Speaking in an interview on Salaamedia, provincial chairperson Thapelo Amad said the former COPE members brought with them a wealth of experience to the party.
“These were people that held experience from their previous political home. They have experience, expertise, that can grow and assist Al Jama-ah to govern and champion the agenda of residents, the agenda of the voters,” he said.
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New dynamics
Amad said smaller political parties had an important role to play in the country’s political landscape, despite their size. He said the advent of coalition politics has allowed Al Jama-ah to become a “tried and tested” party, one which has “indicated that it has the ability to hold power in any sphere of government”.
“In 2016, none of the voters believed that a small political party that holds small margins in terms of representation in any sphere of government can lead that sphere of government. However, Al Jama-ah has been tried and tested and it has indicated that it has the ability to hold power in any sphere of government. Wherever we have representation, Al Jama-ah is a force to be reckoned with.”
He added the enlisting of new members, from a rival political party, also demonstrated that Al Jama-ah was a party for all communities, not just the Muslim community.
“We need political parties that have the ethos and principles of religion. Out of all the religions that have the best interest of our communities and the best interests of the residents, it is organisations such as Al Jama-ah and we have demonstrated the ability to lead.”
He said members of other parties have also expressed interest in joining Al Jama-ah. The party will now focus on preparing to contest in the 2024 national and provincial elections.
