SOUTH AFRICA: President Thabo Mbeki has named one of South Africa's most powerful women to succeed his corruption-tainted former deputy Jacob Zuma, but he immediately faced questions about her.
Mr Mbeki appointed minerals and energy minister Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka (49) a week after he fired Mr Zuma, who was implicated in a corruption trial earlier this month and faces graft charges in court next week.
Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka has distinguished herself as one of Mr Mbeki's most efficient cabinet members and loyalists. But at the news conference announcing her elevation, journalists asked about media reports linking her brother's name to alleged wrongdoing by oil firms and illicit funding of the ruling African National Congress (ANC).
Government spokesman Joel Netshitenzhe responded that the government was satisfied the affair would pose no obstacle to her promotion. However analysts said the media and opposition were certain to keep the focus on the so-called "oilgate" saga, putting pressure on both Mr Mbeki and the ANC which faces internal tensions over the dismissal of the hugely popular Mr Zuma.
"In principle the appointment of Mrs Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka . . . is a bold and gender-friendly move," opposition leader Tony Leon said. "However, from a political and moral perception, the appointment of the new deputy president undermines the good work President Mbeki did last week when he took the very difficult decision to dismiss Jacob Zuma."
Mr Leon added: "There are a number of questions, some serious and all unanswered, which hang over the head of the new deputy president." His Democratic Alliance joined the applause that greeted Mr Zuma's sacking.
Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka becomes the highest-ranking woman in South Africa's government after playing a key role in developing the country's Black Economic Empowerment strategy designed to give blacks a greater share in the post-apartheid economy.
Business leaders initially hostile to the idea of empowerment schemes welcomed the choice of Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka.
"We believe this is appropriate for a minister who had worked and managed the very sensitive portfolio of minerals and energy with exceptional competence," said Zoli Diliza, chief executive of the Chamber of Mines.
Other analysts saw the move as proof of Mr Mbeki's commitment to the ANC's campaign for gender equality, which he says is just as important as the drive that ended apartheid in South Africa.
"The idea of gender sensitivity is an idea very close to his political programme," said political analyst Sipho Seepe of Henley management college in Johannesburg.
Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka was seen as a leading contender to replace Mr Zuma, who was long regarded as Mr Mbeki's heir apparent but who was fired last week after being implicated in a corruption case involving his financial adviser.- (Reuters)