Dr Mamphela Ramphele's appointment as the DA’s presidential candidate has stirred up controversy around the country, but it's business as usual for local Agang organisers.
Dr Mamphela Ramphele's appointment as the DA’s presidential candidate has stirred up controversy around the country, but it's business as usual for local Agang organisers.
So says Jock McConnachie, who claims the announcement "has had no impact on the activities of the joint campaign committee".
The committee includes Agang members from the Makana, Nxuba, Ngqushwa and Nkonkobe municipal areas. They meet with their counterparts in King William’s Town this weekend.
"Agang SA members are standing firm as we await details of the arrangement between theDA and Agang SA," McConnachie said, claiming that Agang SA is continuing to attract members.
Agang members were not consulted about the move. "We became aware that something was afoot but no, we didn’t know about the move," McConnachie told Grocott's Mail.
This has resulted in some angry Agang members in Gauteng saying they will expel Ramphele and elect a new leader.
McConnachie insists that local Agang members did not share this sentiment.
"Dr Ramphele always said that Agang is about doing politics differently and we believe that what she has done is a step in that direction and in the interests of Agang and the country."
In a letter to members, Rampele said her appointment "allows both organisations to put together their strengths and their reach to take full advantage of this historic moment".
A joint technical committee will manage the integration of the DA and Agang SA structures and volunteers.
Local Agang members will give input to the technical committee if asked, McConnachie said.
"We will be in a better position to provide it after the meeting of Agang citizens this weekend."
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