ANC Deputy President's role to be discussed

ANC Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe's possible role in government and the establishment of protocols aimed at smoothening relations between the State and the party will come under discussion at the three-day ANC and Cabinet lekgotla starting tomorrow.

The establishment of the protocol is likely to put an end to possible tensions between the perceived two centres of power. ANC Secretary General, Gwede Mantashe, was speaking to the SABC ahead of the National Executive Committee (NEC) lekgotla, which starts tomorrow.

Since his election to the ANC's second most powerful position, many feel that his energies might be under-utilised as the position is not full-time. Mantashe says if there are new developments regarding its Deputy President, an announcement will be made.

Outline of framework
The party says this weekend's lekgotla will also outline the framework of working with the government.

There have been concerns that with the failure of many Cabinet Ministers to make it into the new NEC, that relations between the State and the party could be affected.

The first day of the lekgotla is dedicated to inducting newly elected members.

"There are two presentations on the plenary -- one is the programme of government for 2008 and 2009, and the other one is the summary of resolutions of Polokwane, with a clear framework of implementation and monitoring," says Mantashe.

The agreed programme is expected to be taken to the next week's Cabinet lekgotla ,where government is expected to formulate strategies for implementation.