The history of South Africa would never be the same again, newly announced Cope president Terror Lekota told cheering delegates at the party's founding conference in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.

"When history books are written, all of you will be remembered for your bravery, your foresight and willpower to act decisively when the minute came that you realised our country was sliding [on] a downward path," he said.

Addressing the 4000 yellow-shirted delegates following the announcement of the party's top leadership, he said Cope would be a truly non-racial party which would provide home and a voice to all South Africans, irrespective or race, class or gender.

The newly chosen party leadership likewise was inclusive and representing "the broadest section of South African society".

"To the people of South Africa, we say this leadership is ready to serve you, and will do so with the humility, the decency and dignity you so deserve."

'Force to be reckoned with'

Lekota said that with the widespread support already shown by South Africans, he was quite confident that Cope would emerge as a force to be reckoned with.

"The history of South Africa will never be the same again!" he told cheering delegates.

He said 16 December had been chosen for the official launch of the party because as the Day of Reconciliation, it was a day on which South Africans looked back at their history and declared that they would never again be subjected to segregation, misogyny or "any form of political arrogance".

Delegates had declared, he said, that South Africa was suffering from a crisis of leadership, and the conference had also heard concerns for the decay in the body politic.

"What is clear is that our people believe in the supremacy of our constitution; that they have rights and these rights will be respected; and no leadership has any right to undermine that which they hold dear."

They also believed that a leadership could claim its right to lead only if it subjected itself to the will of the people.

SA's biggest challenges

Outlining Cope's priorities, Lekota said poverty, crime, unemployment and HIV/Aids remained the greatest challenges facing South Africans today.

Cope believed that growing the economy was fundamental to getting South Africans back to work.

"We are well aware that any human being without a job loses a sense of self-worth," he said to applause.

"We will continue to grow our economy with a particular focus on expanding our manufacturing capacity. We have also decided to make specific interventions in the areas of agriculture and rural economic development."

Delegates responded even more enthusiastically when Lekota said Cope intended to professionalise the public service and discontinue the "political deployment system", something the ANC has been under fire for doing.

He said the issues of affirmative action and economic empowerment were very important, and Cope intended to "sustain" both.

"This will not be done on the basis of race; and I repeat, this will not be done on the basis of race."

Sapa