The Congress of the People Women’s Movement (CopeWM) has called on its mother-body to open up more opportunities for women in the organisation.

Speaking on Women’s Day in Kimberley, CopeWN national chairperson, Ncumisa Mahlangu-Matiwane, said since its formation, Cope has been led by men only.

“I was so disappointed last weekend in Bloemfontein (during Cope electoral workshop), when I looked at the leadership of the organisation with the majority being men.

“I am calling on the leadership to create opportunities for women. We need to be allowed to take the centre stage and claim important positions in the organisation,” she said.

The Women’s Day event was attended by the leadership of Cope, including its president Mosiuoa Lekota, Dennis Bloem and Willy Madisha.

Mahlangu-Matiwane called on the Minister of Women, Children and People with Disability, Lulu Xingwana, to disapprove the bailing of those accused of perpetrating of rape.

“Rape is a crime, rape suspects should remain behind bars even before the trial,” she said.

Lekota told the supporters that the organisation was the only one that stood for true values of democracy and freedom. He took a swipe at ANC leaders he accused of misusing taxpayers’ money.

“Every year Parliament sends a lot of money to all the provinces, including the Northern Cape, but this money gets intercepted by certain people. They take your money and use it on their lavish lifestyle,” Lekota said.