Former defence minister calls for ANC splinter party

South Africa's former defence minister has said a breakaway party will be formed, a local radio station reported on Sunday, splitting the ruling ANC and challenging its years of dominance.

"Former defence minister and former national chairperson of the ANC Mosiuoa Lekota has announced that a new party will be formed during a national convention," said SAfm, referring to a convention that Lekota has called for Nov. 2. It did not give details.

The move, which was widely expected, is likely to raise tensions in the biggest political shake-up in the 96-year history of the ANC which has ruled since the end of apartheid. It will also raise questions about the political direction of Africa's biggest economy.

Lekota, who was suspended from the ANC for threatening to form a new party, has made a wide appeal to South Africans to attend the national congress to discuss what he says are major flaws in the ruling party's leadership and planned future strategy.

Reuters, Oct 19, 2008