Still no clarity on Motlanthe's deployment

Media reports suggests that Motlanthe would be placed in parliament to shadow President Thabo Mbeki

It is unclear whether the ANC's National Working Committee will discuss the deployment of the party's Deputy President, Kgalema Motlanthe, to parliament or cabinet during its meeting in Johannesburg today.

Last week, Motlanthe insisted that he would not be deployed to either of the two spheres of government. He said he would prefer to concentrate on ensuring that the ANC returns to power after the 2009 election.

In March, the ruling party's National Executive Committee decided to deploy its deputy president in government to ensure a smooth handover when the end of the term comes and a new term kicks in after the 2009 election.

Last week media reports suggested that Motlanthe would be placed in government within days, to allow him to "shadow" President Thabo Mbeki, while he served the remainder of his term.

The reports quoted a senior NEC member as saying Motlanthe would be "like a minister of state in the presidency". ANC spokesperson, Tiyani Rikhotso, has declined to comment on the reports. However, he has confirmed that government and the ruling party have been in discussions regarding Motlanthe's deployment.