The Democratic Alliance notes inferences by ANC President Jacob Zuma at a press conference today that the Minister in the Presidency, Kgalema Motlanthe, is to succeed Thabo Mbeki as President of South Africa.

Minister Motlanthe has limited experience in government and question marks remain over his involvement in the United Nations Oil for Food scandal. However, the DA believes that his nomination is the best case scenario under the circumstances.

Minister Motlanthe is perhaps the most level-headed and reasonable of all the politicians in the Zuma camp. Unlike Zuma, he dared to stick his head above the parapet and rebuke the ANC Youth League for its menacing statements that it would "shoot to kill" for the ANC President.

He has also committed himself to the independence of the judiciary and the supremacy of the Constitution. The Democratic Alliance will hold him to these statements should he be elected President.

The challenge for Minister Motlanthe is to rise above the ruling party's internal power play and govern in the best interests of the people of South Africa between now and the next election.

We will be watching Minister Motlanthe very closely to make sure the institutions of state are not abused to secure a "political solution" for Jacob Zuma's legal problems. Zuma must face his day in court and answer to the allegations that he accepted 783 bribes over 10 years. If he is not acquitted by a court of law, he cannot be a presidential candidate.

Statement issued by Helen Zille, leader of the Democratic Alliance, September 22 2008