Ramphele to spill beans at last

Dr Mamphela Ramphele is to break her silence on whether she will form a political party to challenge the ANC at the ballot box.

She is to make an announcement on Monday at the women's jail on Constitution Hill, Johannesburg.

A statement released yesterday by Ramphele , who is chairman of mining major Gold Fields, said: "Dr Mamphela Ramphele invites you to join her as she makes an announcement concerning her political plans."

There has been widespread speculation that Ramphele, a struggle stalwart, academic and ANC critic, will enter the political arena ahead of next year's general election. To date, she has only vaguely hinted at the possibility.

When questioned at the mining indaba in Cape Town last week, Ramphele said: "I would have been very surprised if someone wasn't going to try to slip that [question in]. One of the things I talked about is short-termism. If you just wait patiently, as I said, it might provide benefits."

During her speech at the mining conference, Ramphele took a swipe at the ANC, saying "governments" should be modest, listen to the people, and be truly representative and accountable.

The ANC and the DA have said they do not fear that their voter base will be reduced by the emergence of a new party.

Ramphele reportedly has the support of former Unisa vice-chancellor Barney Pityana, political analyst Moeletsi Mbeki and former cabinet minister Mosibudi Mangena.