The African National Congress will have difficulty redeploying disgraced former chief whip Tony Yengeni, given the baggage he carries.

But, according to independent political analyst and University of the North executive dean of humanities Professor Joe Teffo, it would not be a major surprise if Yengeni was redeployed.

Yengeni, who is set to appear before the Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday for sentencing, pleaded guilty to a charge of defrauding parliament for not disclosing a 47 percent discount he received on a Mercedes-Benz 4x4.

This was done in a plea bargain, in terms of which the state agreed not to pursue a charge of corruption against him. He resigned as chief whip of the ANC in parliament in the wake of the scandal and was forced to resign as an MP two weeks ago.

Teffo said that if Yengeni was redeployed, this would not be inconsistent with past practices within the ANC, where disgraced politicians were given diplomatic postings or other posts after they were involved in scandals.

Former Ekurhuleni mayor Bavumile Vilakazi was dubbed "Mr Big Spender" following a scandal about his penchant to use public funds for matters not directly related to service delivery. He was rewarded with a diplomatic posting to Uganda.

Following a scandal over driving without a licence, former Gauteng safety and security MEC Jesse Duarte was redeployed to Mozambique, but is now employed in Pretoria by the department of foreign affairs.

"Redeployment for Yengeni is not out of the question, although it would do the ruling party a lot of good if they are seen to be denouncing his actions. It would be a statement that there are no holy cows, and that the ANC acts against anybody who misuses the trust bestowed on them," said Teffo.

"It will also show that (Speaker of parliament) Frene Ginwala was not a lone crusader against improper behaviour," said Teffo.

He noted there could be companies lining up to enlist Yengeni as one of their directors, regardless of his tarnished background.

With acknowledgements to Makhudu Sefara and The Star.