Equal Education has never discussed any party-political platform with Dr Ramphele.

Dr Mamphela Ramphele is reported to have said today, at the launch of her new party-political platform "Agang SA" that she had "spoken to Equal Education ... and would work with these organisations."

EE states categorically that it has had no involvement whatsoever in the conception or launch of Dr Ramphele's new party political platform "Agang SA". EE has never met or corresponded with Ramphele to discuss her plans to enter formal politics, and only learnt of the existence of "Agang SA" today.  EE therefore regrets that Ramphele chose to misrepresent the situation.

South Africa is a country which encourages everyone to participate in democracy. Section 19 of the Constitution makes clear that "every citizen is free to make political choices" including the "right to form a political party" and to "campaign for a political party or cause". Every adult citizen also has the right to "stand for public office and, if elected, to hold office". EE therefore appreciates that Ramphele has every right to announce a new political platform.

EE engages constructively and regularly with political parties and their representatives. We look forward to doing so with Ramphele and Agang SA. EE and all civil society organisations should be open to members of all political parties. However civil society should always remain independent, and belong to citizens, not to political parties.

Statement issued by Yoliswa Dwane, Equal Education Chairperson, February 18 2013

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