The Democratic Alliance’s (DA’s) Khume Ramulifho has announced that he will be joining RISE Mzansi, as he resigns as a member of the DA and as a Member of the Provincial Legislature in Gauteng.

He 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 deserved.

“I have observed diverse South Africans raising their hands in support for RISE Mzansi. Today, I will relax, refocus, 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 served as the DA Youth regional chairperson, Gauteng Provincial Youth leader and Federal Youth leader.

“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 added.

He expressed his belief in the possibility of building an inclusive political alternative that would take South Africa forward.

Ramulifho noted that he had built relationships with many patriotic South Africans over the past 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.