'I'm not Ramaphosa's agent'

2007-10-29 21:01

Cape Town - African National Congress national executive committee member Kader Asmal says he supports the notion of Cyril Ramaphosa being his party's next president, but he is not his election agent.

"I'm not his election agent. I'm just Joe Soap, who thought he was the most suitable candidate," he said on Monday.

Asmal was responding to a question on media reports suggesting he was instrumental in getting the ANC branch where he is a member - the Gaby Shapiro branch in Rondebosch, Cape Town, one of 200 party branches in the Western Cape - to nominate Ramaphosa ahead of other contenders.

Asked about Ramaphosa not appearing interested in nomination, Asmal said: "It is his right to say 'I do not wish to be considered'."

In September this year, Ramaphosa, when asked about the so-called succession race, reportedly said he was not interested.

"Like all ANC members, I am confident that this matter will be clarified in accordance with the policies, organisational culture and processes of the ANC," he was quoted as saying at the time.

Ramaphosa, an entrepreneur, was not available for comment on Monday.

His spokesperson in Johannesburg said he was "out of town" and could not be contacted.

- SAPA