South African activist forms party to take on ANC

Mamphela Ramphele, an anti-apartheid activist and co-founder of South Africa’s Black Conscious Movement, has announced the formation of a new political party to take on the 101-year-old African National Congress of Nelson Mandela.

The 65-year-old medical doctor and social anthropologist told a news conference on Monday that her party will serve millions of South Africans who want a new beginning. “Join me in building the South Africa of our dreams” she said. She accused the governing party of undermining democracy, abusing power, and corruption.

“The dream has faded for the many living in poverty and destitution in our increasingly unequal society,” Ramphele, a former World Bank managing director, said.

“And perhaps worst of all, my generation has to confess to the young people of our country: we have failed you.” Ramphele said her party, called Agang in the Sesotho language meaning “Build”, will be funded by South Africans at home and abroad. She told a news conference that her party will contest 2014 elections, campaign “from village to village” and serve millions of South Africans “who have confirmed a hunger for a new beginning”.