Ramphele: I will speak for myself
2013-01-29 17:01
Johannesburg - Former anti-apartheid activist Mamphela
Ramphele said on Tuesday she would herself announce if she was going to start a
political party.
"I have always been clear in articulating my views
on matters of public importance, and will speak on my own behalf about any
decisions I might take about my future engagements," she said in a
statement.
She said she had "noted" reports that she
intended forming a political party.
"I would like to place on record that I have been
having conversations with South Africans from all walks of life about the state
of democracy in SA," Ramphele said.
"These conversations are in line with the national
dialogue I am seeking to promote through my latest book, Conversations with my
Sons and Daughters."
Sunday's Rapport newspaper reported that on a recent
visit to America Ramphele said she was collecting money for a political party
and was "entering politics to save her country".
She also rallied support from ambassadors.
Ambassador to Argentina and former DA leader Tony Leon
said two people at Ramphele's meetings in America had 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 ANC president
at the party's elective conference in Mangaung in December.
- SAPA
