ANC stalwart Fatima Meer has come out in support of the breakaway Congress of the People, the SABC reported on Thursday.

Meer made the announcement at her Durban home, where she was visited by Cope leader Terror Lekota.

Endorsing the new movement, Meer told Cope officials that she no longer had faith in the African National Congress.

Lekota said he was not surprised by the announcement and welcomed Meer to his grouping.

Meer joins several others who have resigned from the ruling party to join the splinter group formed by Lekota and former Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa.

Sapa