Report Says Mbeki Supporters May Launch New Party

Disgruntled supporters of ousted South African President Thabo Mbeki may launch a breakaway political party Wednesday, a local radio station has announced. South Africa’s Talk Radio 702 said the group, led by outspoken former defence minister Mosiuoa Lekota, planned to defect from the dominant ruling African National Congress (ANC) into a new opposition party. Mbeki was forced to resign last month after losing out in a power struggle with ANC party leader Jacob Zuma.[PE]