Evidence is mounting that Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe will stand against President Jacob Zuma for the ANC leadership at the party’s elective conference in December.

It was reported at the weekend that Motlanthe would not entertain attempts by Zuma lobbyists to cut a deal that would include him on the president’s leadership slate for the top six positions of the ANC’s national executive committee at Mangaung.

Analysts on Sunday said this was a clear signal that Motlanthe was likely to take up the political cudgels against Zuma.

Political analyst Professor Susan Booysen agreed that Motlanthe now appeared to be campaigning for the top job. “Zuma is doing an ‘I am not campaigning’ campaign,” she said. “It is probable that, in that context, Motlanthe has indicated, rather than denied, that he is available.

For more details go to http://www.iol.co.za/