Presidency cannot confirm Motlanthe’s deployment

The presidency today could not confirm reports that ANC deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe would be deployed to the cabinet within days.

"I don't know... I have not been advised on anything," said Presidential spokesman Mukoni Ratshitanga.

He said President Thabo Mbeki made appointments to cabinet at his discretion and this was thereafter communicated to him but he had not been advised on any decision regarding Motlanthe.

The ANC had taken a decision at a National Executive Committee (NEC) in March to deploy its deputy president in government to ensure "a smooth hand over when the end of the term comes and a new term kicks in," after the 2009 election.

ANC spokesperson declines to comment
Today, Business Day reported that Motlanthe would be placed in government "within days", to allow him to "shadow" Mbeki as the president served the remainder of his term.

The report quoted a senior NEC member saying Motlanthe would be "like a minister of state in the presidency", with an "overarching" look at government.

ANC spokesman Tiyani Rikhotso declined to comment on the report but confirmed that government and the ruling party had been in discussions regarding the party deputy president's deployment.

He also said there was "no finality" yet on where in government Motlanthe would be deployed. - Sapa