Lerato Mbhiza
THE DA’s Khume Ramulifho has resigned as a member of the party and as its Member of the Provincial Legislature in Gauteng to join RISE Mzansi.
Ramulifho said while the decision was not an easy one, he strongly believed that RISE Mzansi could unite South Africans to build a South Africa that all citizens deserve adding that he has been contemplating leaving the DA for several months.
He expressed his belief in the possibility of building an inclusive political alternative that would take South Africa forward.
“The DA reached its climax and had no idea what it was doing”, said Ramulifho who has been the DA’s longstanding voice on all matters on education in Gauteng, often highlighting the shortcomings of the ANC government in running the province’s schools.
Ramulifho’s exit has been described as a “massive blow” to the DA by Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi.
“Massive blow for the DA to lose such a highly talented and skilled member. I worked with Khume for almost 10 years and I am still shocked that he left the DA,” said Lesufi.
Ramulifho joins a host of prominent black leaders who have walked away from the organisation including Herman Mashaba and Mmusi Maimane among others.
“I have observed diverse South Africans raising their hands in support of RISE Mzansi. Today, I will relax, refocus, and spend time with my family. Tomorrow, when I wake up, I will take my children back to school, and thereafter join other RISE Mzansi volunteers and supporters as we build stronger communities,” he said.
Ramulifho joined the then Democratic Party in 1998 and the DA in 2000. He served as a student activist at the then Vaal Triangle Technikon now called Vaal University of Technology.
He was also the DA Youth regional chairperson, Gauteng Provincial Youth leader and Federal Youth leader and he said:
“Moreover, I have proudly served as an elected representative of the people. In 2006 I was elected as a PR Councillor in the City of Johannesburg. I was then elected to serve in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature following the May 2009 Provincial and National General Elections, up until Tuesday,” he said while noting that he has built relationships with many patriotic South Africans over the last 25 years.
Ramulifho has played an active role in ten elections contesting or campaigning for candidates at all spheres of government.
“Thus far I can proudly say that I have given my best in serving the people of this country. My commitment to improve the lives of our people and build a prosperous country remains unchanged,” he said.
He explained that he believed that South Africa had the potential to succeed, adding that a culture of accountability and responsibility must be instilled. He said more people needed to be involved in decision-making.
Ramulifho said he was not offered any position at Rise Mzansi but joined as a member to be active on the grounds.
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