Congress of the People (Cope) president Terror Lekota promised on Monday that his party would not give people top jobs or forgive their missteps because "they were on Robben Island".

In a veiled reference to disgraced African National Congress spokesperson Carl Niehaus, he vowed not to tolerate corruption.

"Live off your salary. If you take your salary and steal money from the people there is no political solution for you," he told potential donors at Cope's first fundraising gala in the Western Cape.

"No longer will men and women be appointed to positions because they were on Robben Island. No longer will they be appointed because they were in exile."

Lekota also criticised the ANC for using former President Nelson Mandela in its campaign.

"As if he would endorse racketeering, as if he would endorse theft," he said referring to Mandela's controversial appearance at an ANC rally in the Eastern Cape alongside party president Jacob Zuma.

Lekota's denial

Lekota denied reports that he had strongly opposed the naming of Mvume Dandala, former Methodist bishop, as Cope's presidential candidate.

He said the fact that he had founded the breakaway party did not mean that he should be its campaign face.

"All of us in Cope started as equals. It is true that I served divorce papers [on the ANC], but it does not therefore mean that I am entitled to lead the team of men and women from Cope going to Parliament to serve our people," he said.

Lekota readily admitted that Cope was cash strapped going into the campaign for the 22 April elections.

"We do not have money, but we have people. Please be these special posters who can walk, talk and pass on the message."

Lekota had also been expected to announce Cope's candidate for premier of the Western Cape ? a close contest between struggle stalwart Allan Boesak and Stellenbosch University rector, Russel Botma.

Party sources said the matter would only be decided later in the week.