Faction splits from ANC

A BREAKAWAY faction of South Africa’s ruling African National Congress led by a former defence minister was yesterday due to register as a political party, named the South African Democratic Congress, a spokesman said.

The rebellion by members loyal to ousted South African president Thabo Mbeki has thrown the dominant ANC into disarray and could reshape the country’s post-apartheid political landscape.

The new party is expected to contest elections, due in the first half of 2009 and leaders of the new grouping said at the weekend they wanted to be in the government after next year’s polls.