Johannesburg — THE imminent departure of Congress of the People (COPE) parliamentary leader Rev Mvume Dandala could trigger more havoc within the party as warring factions clash over his replacement.

Rev Dandala was quoted in media reports yesterday saying he was hurt about developments in the party and would soon make up his mind.

Sources close to him also confirmed to Business Day that Rev Dandala was considering leaving the party, which he joined just before elections last year.

He is said to be hurt and embarrassed by the public spat between Mosiuoa Lekota and Mbhazima Shilowa, as both men claim to be legitimate leaders of the party.

Rev Dandala was not available for comment yesterday.

Supporters of Mr Shilowa and Mr Lekota have already indicated that their preferred leaders must take over from the former bishop.

"Shilowa as acting president of the party is likely replace Dandala if he decides to go," a supporter said yesterday.

Phillip Dexter, spokesman for the Lekota camp, said the former chairman of the African National Congress must go to lead the party in Parliament.

This is not the first time Rev Dandala has contemplated leaving the party. After his appointment as presidential candidate and parliamentary leader of the party last year, a faction supporting Mr Lekota was angered by the move and others left the party. Rev Dandala told journalists last year that when signs of divisions began to show he had offered to resign.

Mr Lekota's supporters said Rev Dandala was imposed on them by the Shilowa camp, especially the Eastern Cape leadership. While the Shilowa camp is said to be trying to persuade Rev Dandala to stay, a close Lekota ally said "good riddance" to the former bishop.

Insiders said the battle was about the access to resources and Parliament was a big source of income.

The two camps are involved in legal battles to control the organisation. Mr Lekota and Mr Dexter want a vote of no confidence in them - passed by a chaotic party gathering at the weekend - reversed.

Mr Shilowa is challenging a South Gauteng High Court interdict preventing elections within the party from taking place.

Mr Dexter said the party caucus would have to vote for a new parliamentary leader as soon as Rev Dandala left.

"People want Lekota to lead this party. I am backing him 100%."

A close ally of Mr Shilowa said if their camp won, a purge in Parliament was "inevitable".