A spokesperson for Kgalema Motlanthe says the Deputy President has accepted a nomination to run for the top position in the ANC.Thabo Masebe told The Associated Press today that Motlanthe had accepted nominations to run for president, deputy president and another position within the ANC. Motlanthe already serves as deputy president of the party.In running for the ANC presidency, Motlanthe will challenge South African President Jacob Zuma who already has strong support within the party to retain his position at next week’s Mangaung elective conference.Becoming leader of the ANC means a nearly automatic ticket to becoming the President in post-apartheid South Africa. Opposition parties don’t garner the widespread support given to the ANC, the party of anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela.News of Motlanthe’s acceptance to the nomination come on the back of reports that the ANC has said the party is not at liberty to reveal candidates ahead of its elective conference. The party earlier said candidates will only be announced once their nominations have been screened. Delegates can also be nominated from the floor once the conference begins. Electoral Commission spokesperson Ishmael Mnisi made the announcement at Luthuli House in Johannesburg during a press briefing.Motlanthe will contest Zuma for the position of ANC leader whereas ANC Treasurer general Mathews Phosa and Tokyo Sexwale have both confirmed they have accepted nominations for the position of deputy president. – Additional reporting by Sapa-AP
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