Motlanthe to head political school

Kgalema Motlanthe. Picture: Felix Dlangamandla

The ANC has appointed its outgoing deputy president, Kgalema Motlanthe, as head of its soon-to-be-established political school.

President Jacob Zuma announced the decision to make use of Motlanthe’s skills and experience in the party in his closing speech at the ANC’s 53rd national conference in Bloemfontein today.

“We discussed this matter with deputy president Cyril Rampahosa and former deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe. We are pleased to announce that Comrade Motlanthe will head the political school,’’ Zuma said.

The decision came after several days of speculation about Motlanthe’s political future. He declined nomination to the party’s National Executive Committee after losing out to Zuma in the contest for the presidency.

There is still some concern that Motlanthe may resign his post as deputy president of the country, but ANC insiders believe this appointment may go some way in ensuring that he does not do so.

Other members of Motlanthe’s slate – Tokyo Sexwale, Mathews Phosa and Paul Mashatile – did not make the NEC.

Zuma said political education was central to uniting the ANC and that the time had come to stop talking about its importance and implement political education programmes.

He also told the remaining delegates that the NEC would be considering the future of the party’s Youth League, which spearheaded the campaign to prevent him from securing a second term.

“This conference has taken a decision that the NEC must discuss the ANC Youth League. We appreciate the decision and the spirit in which it was taken,’’ Zuma said.