Opposition parties welcome Ramphele political intiative

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Opposition parties have welcomed Monday's announcement by Dr Mamphele Ramphele that she will form a "new party political platform for all South Africans."

The official opposition says her move is another step in the long process of realigning South African politics around these values.

Democratic Alliance national spokesperson, Mmusi Maimane, says "Dr. Ramphele shares the DA's core values of non-racialism and constitutionalism, and her move is another step in the long process of realigning South African politics around these values."

He says the DA will continue to engage with Dr. Ramphele in the coming months.

Meanwhile, United Democratic Movement leader, Bantu Holomisa, says he looks forward to working with Dr Ramphele in the effort to build a strong political alternative for the people of South Africa.

On Monday Dr Ramphele announced her new initiative know as Agang which can be interpreted in English as Build South Africa.

In a wide-ranging and often hard-hitting speech, she said the country was at risk because self-interest has become the driver of many of those in positions of authority who should be focussed on serving the public.

Dr Ramphele also announced a one million signature campaign calling for electoral reform and said it must be the first order of business of the post-2014 election parliament.