Motlanthe not gunning for ANC leadership - Presidency

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Pretoria - Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe is concerned by media reports suggesting that he was canvassing support for election as President of the ANC, the Presidency said.

"The Deputy President's office wishes to state categorically that Deputy President Motlanthe, as a loyal and disciplined member of the ANC who respects its internal democratic processes, is not involved in any campaigning or lobbying for the Presidency of the ANC and he has not spoken to anyone about his future role in the ANC," read a statement issued by Motlanthe's spokesperson Thabo Masebe.

It follows a report in a Sunday newspaper quoting anonymous sources linking Motlanthe to the ruling party's succession debate.

Masebe said Motlanthe was more concerned with executing his current responsibilities as Deputy President of the ANC and as the Deputy President of the Republic.

"His future role in the ANC will be determined by the ANC's National Conference in 2012 when his current tenure expires," said Masebe.