Ramphele to start new political party - report

Jacob Zuma's re-election as ANC leader has spurred her into action 'to save our country'

Former anti-apartheid activist Mamphela Ramphele wants to join politics, according to Sunday’s Rapport newspaper.

On a recent visit to America she said she was collecting money for a political party and said she was “entering politics to save her country”.

She also rallied support from ambassadors.

Ambassador to Argentina and former Democratic Alliance leader Tony Leon said two people at Ramphele’s meetings in America confirmed this, he told the City Press.

DA leader Helen Zille tried to get Ramphele to join her party last year, but she declined and formed the Citizens’ Movement, a non-governmental organisation.

According to the report, Ramphele thought stronger opposition was needed after President Jacob Zuma was re-elected African National Congress president at the party’s elective conference in Mangaung in December.

Ramphele was not available to comment on Saturday. She was expected to make an announcement soon.

Click here to read Ramphele's biography via SAHistory.org.za