Cope on Thursday welcomed the resignation of Gauteng human settlement MEC Humphrey Mmemezi, saying it was overdue.
He had “ransacked a government credit card for personal gain”, Cope's parliamentary caucus said.
“The Mmemezi credit card scandal however raises questions on how many more political leaders in provincial legislatures and national government are abusing their privileges?”
If the Protection of State Information Bill became law, the media would be unable to expose similarly corrupt politicians.
The party remained committed to fighting for a public defence clause in the bill to protect media and whistle-blowers.
It called on the Gauteng government to recover all monies owed to it and to consider laying criminal charges against Mmemezi.
Mmemezi resigned on Wednesday, apologising for making personal purchases on a government credit and said he had paid the money back.
He, however, said some of the allegations against him were untrue, adding that he intended taking legal steps in this regard. – Sapa