JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Academic and Black Conscious Movement co-founder Mamphela Ramphele has announced the creation of a new political party and is urging citizens to turn their backs on the 101-year-old African National Congress of Nelson Mandela and "join me in building the South Africa of our dreams."
The 65-year-old medical doctor, social anthropologist and former World Bank managing director accuses the governing party of undermining democracy, abusing power and corruption.
Ramphele tells a news conference Monday that her party will serve millions of South Africans who want a new beginning.
Her party joins several in the opposition at a time South Africa is burdened by a growing chasm between rich and poor, massive unemployment, and increasingly violent protests against job losses, utility shortages and an education and health system in crisis.
