CAPE TOWN: South Africa’s centrist opposition parties joined forces yesterday to challenge the ruling ANC at upcoming elections, with black consciousness stalwart Mamphela Ramphele tapped as their presidential candidate.
The opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) announced it would field Ramphele — the partner of slain South African hero Steve Biko — to face beleaguered incumbent President Jacob Zuma.
It is the first time that the DA is fielding a black presidential candidate in an election, providing a shield against persistent charges they are a vessel for white interests. DA leader Helen Zille described the decision as a “game-changing moment”.
Ramphele launched her own political platform, Agang, a year ago, but in a crowded political field the party has struggled to garner funds and votes. In Ramphele, the DA appears to believe it has found a leader who can nudge the dial in its favour, or at least neutralise the African National Congress’s attack and tap into deep voter unease.
She described her move as “a historic moment”. “We are going to take away the excuse of race and challenge the ANC to be judged on its performance,” Ramphele said. “We are taking away that race card and putting it in the dustbin.” But the ANC alleged that the DA was using her because of the colour of her skin. “It’s a rent-a-black, rent-a-leader” campaign, said ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe.
The death of former ANC leader Nelson Mandela and the upcoming 20th anniversary of democracy have only served to underscore the ruling party’s failings. Around one in three workers has no job or has stopped looking, many South Africans live without water or other basic services and inequality has increased since the end of apartheid.
The ANC won 2009 polls with 65.9 percent of the ballots, while its strongest contender the DA garnered just 16.7 percent. AFP
