And not only the ANC will feel some unease. The DA can start looking at their current form as well.
Ramphele says she is working “with a group of fellow citizens to form a party political platform that will focus on rekindling hope that building the country of our dreams is possible in our lifetime”.
Her party’s name for now is Agang, which in the Nguni languages mean to ‘Build South Africa together’.
Ramphele, who is 65, started her career as a medical doctor. She fell in love with Black Consciousness Movement leader Steve Biko as a student and became a student activist against apartheid – spending several bouts behind bars without trial or under house arrest. She was pregnant with Biko’s son when he was beaten to death by security police in 1977.
This week the former Harvard University lecturer, head of the World Bank and vice-chancellor the University of Cape Town said South Africa’s dream has faded for the many living in poverty and destitution. “Perhaps worst of all, my generation has to confess to the young people of our country: we have failed you.
“I, however, feel called to lead the efforts of many South Africans who increasingly fear that we are missing too many opportunities to become that which we have the potential to become – a great society.”
The impressive achievements of the past 18 years were being “undermined by poor governance” at all levels of society.
“An unchecked culture of impunity and the abuse of power as well as public resources rob children, young people, rural and urban poor people of the fruits of freedom,” said Ramphele.
“Corruption, nepotism and patronage have become the hallmarks of the conduct of many in public service.
“Corruption is theft. It steals textbooks from our school children. It steals drugs from sick people. It steals social grants from old people and poor children. It robs citizens of hope and destroys dreams,” she said.
“This party political platform will declare war on corruption. It will work with all those in civil society as well as individual citizens and dedicated public servants who share our concerns to fight this scourge.”
Meanwhile, rather predictable, the ANC said her new party is grievance driven and have nothing new to offer. “The initiative by Dr Ramphele is goading South Africans to participate at the periphery of our political dispensation,” spokesperson Jackson Mthembu said in a statement.
