Motlanthe will be S.Africa President

South Africa's ruling ANC said yesterday its deputy leader Kgalema Motlanthe would become the country's President until next year's election.

Asked by Talk Radio 702 if the party could confirm that Mr Motlanthe would take over after Thabo Mbeki's resignation as head of state on Sunday, ANC spokesman Jessie Duarte said: "He will be the President of course until the next election." Parliament is widely expected to choose Mr Motlanthe as President tomorrow after the African National Congress nominates him on the floor.

Mr Motlanthe is a left-leaning intellectual, widely respected by both the radical leftists and business tycoons within the ANC. He is seen as a figure who could help heal the deepest divisions in the party's history. ANC leader Jacob Zuma made it clear on Monday that his backing for Mr Motlanthe as he pledged that the party would ensure a smooth transition and economic policy continuity despite the biggest political crisis since the end of apartheid in 1994.

Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka had resigned following Mr Mbeki's announcement that he was stepping down, her spokeman said yesterday.

"The deputy President has resigned. You can quote me on that. It coincides with Mbeki's resignation," Denzil Taylor said.