Renowned social activist Mamphela Ramphele yesterday resigned as chairman of mining giants Goldfields's board of directors, paving the way for her big announcement of her "political plans".
A statement released by the mining group yesterday said Ramphele had resigned her post with immediate effect.
"Dr Ramphele has decided to retire as chair to further her socio-economic and political work," spokesman Sven Lunsche said.
"She has resigned from most of her private sector directorships and will relinquish all other remaining private sector directorships and positions to focus on these activities."
Speculation in the political circles and the media is that Ramphele is planning to launch a new political party to take on the ANC.
This week she invited the media to an announcement concerning her political plans at the Women's Gaol on Constitution Hill in Johannesburg.
The Women's Gaol held activists such as Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, Albertina Sisulu and Fatima Meer as inmates.
But some have already cast a shadow of doubt on her plans, citing how COPE failed .
In the end, citizens will weigh her struggle credentials and business credibility against her popularity.
A recent survey by consumer insights company Pondering Panda, which interviewed 1996 people, found that most youths are largely unaware of who Ramphele is and what she is known for.
Pondering Panda spokesman Shirley Wakefield, said: "It's clear that if Ramphele announces the formation of her own political party, she will have a challenging task ahead of her when it comes to gaining recognition among young people.
"If she enters the political fray, she is likely to have a much bigger impact on DA support than on the ANC."
Ramphele was appointed to the board of Gold Fields Limited on July 1 2010, and chaired the board from November 2 2010.
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