/ 28 January 2014

Rumours of Agang, DA merger

Rumours Of Agang, Da Merger

South Africa has been "hungry" for a change in politics, Agang SA leader Mamphela Ramphele told Beeld newspaper in a report on Tuesday.

Citing unnamed reliable sources, the newspaper reported that Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille would announce the merger at a briefing in Cape Town at 10am on Tuesday.

The newspaper approached Ramphele for comment, who said: "When we started Agang, we said we are very anxious to see a re-arrangement in South African politics.

"We spoke to everyone – from Cope [Congress of the People] to the UDM [United Democratic Movement] to the DA.

"There are talks. The country is hungry for a change in political leadership," Ramphele was quoted as saying in the Afrikaans daily.

Zille's office informed the media on Monday that she would make "an announcement of national importance" on Tuesday.

Ramphele launched Agang SA about a year ago.

Rumours
Agang SA said in a statement on its website on Sunday that rumours should be "ignored" that Ramphele was on the DA's list of candidates for election.

"We make no secret of the fact that we talk to other parties in South Africa. We make no secret of the fact that all parties and citizens need to stand together against the ANC and those who want to use our resources to fund their own egos and lifestyles … 

"There is an extraordinary window of opportunity that has opened since Madiba's passing and the fracturing of the tripartite alliance. We will continue to inspire citizens to put the country first in their choice of leadership and collaboration opportunities," said the statement.– Sapa