Congress Of The People

Congress of the People is a South African political party founded in 2008. The party was established by former African National Congress (ANC) members who broke away following disputes over leadership and policy direction within the governing party. Mosioua Lekota, a former ANC chairperson and defence minister, became the party's founding president and remains its most prominent figure. The party positions itself as a centrist alternative to the ANC, advocating for constitutional democracy, nonracialism and social justice. Congress of the People contested its first general election in 2009, winning 30 seats in the National Assembly and securing representation in several provincial legislatures. The party's electoral support has declined in subsequent elections, reflecting the challenges faced by smaller opposition parties in South Africa's political landscape. It has maintained a presence in Parliament and continues to participate in coalition politics at municipal level. The party draws its name from the historic 1955 Congress of the People gathering in Kliptown, where the Freedom Charter was adopted. Congress of the People has sought to distinguish itself through criticism of corruption and governance failures whilst promoting economic policies aimed at job creation and poverty alleviation. The party competes for votes in a crowded opposition space that includes the Democratic Alliance, Economic Freedom Fighters and Inkatha Freedom Party.