Makhosi Khoza has announced that she is revoking her ANC membership to work with a “new anti-corruption movement of society and faith-based organisations”.
Khoza made the announcement at a press briefing on Thursday at Lilliesleaf, Johannesburg. In a long, emotional speech she said that the ANC had become filled with corrupt leaders.
“I have decided to no longer tap dance with the hyenas,” she said.
She clarified, however, that she is not joining opposition party the Democratic Alliance.
“I want to make it clear, I’m not going to join DA. I’m not leaving the ANC mission.”
Khoza has not yet named the anti-corruption collective she will work with, but confirmed that she will not start her own political party.
A party in orange overalls
Khoza said that she believes the only way the ANC can root out corruption is if its members are prosecuted and sent to prison.
“It’s my well-considered view that almost 80-90% of ANC leaders would have to replace their suits and dresses with orange overalls,” she said.
“Their natural home will be prison. That is the only self-correction that can happen,” she continued, playing on ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe’s repetition in media statements that the party will reflect on its errors and self-correct.
She also criticised the party for being patriarchal, saying she had “humbled” herself before ANC leaders.
“I don’t believe the emancipation of women can happen under the alien ANC,” she said.
Khoza was ousted as chairperson of the public administration portfolio committee in Parliament when ANC MPs accused her of contravening the party’s disciplinary code. At the time of her announcement, she was still facing a disciplinary hearing which had been postponed after she failed to make an appearance.
She has faced backlash from senior ANC members, such as Mantashe, for being outspoken against President Jacob Zuma.
The story will be updated as more details emerge.