Reverend Mvume Dandala is the presidential candidate for Congress of the People, party president Terror Lekota confirmed on Monday.

"He is not new to the game, he was with us in the UDF [United Democratic Front]... it is in these difficult times in our country that men of his calibre are needed to take the hopes of the people," said Lekota.

He said he was thrilled that Dandala had agreed to join their team.

Dandala said he joined Cope to stand with men and women of integrity.

"I've spent time fighting for peace and justice, I found those values in Cope," said Dandala.

Lekota said Dandala would be the presidential candidate and he [Lekota] remains party president.

"There is no tension at all [between us]," said Lekota.

Sapa