Director of Public Prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka is headed back to active party politics, if the ANC in Gauteng has its way.

Ngcuka, Cosatu general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi and former Gauteng safety and security MEC Jessie Duarte have been nominated as candidates to represent the ANC in parliament after the elections scheduled for April. The ANC in Gauteng has completed the first draft for nominations for the provincial legislature and National Assembly.

The national list also has obvious candidates - names such as President Thabo Mbeki, his deputy Jacob Zuma, Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, SACP deputy general secretary Jeremy Cronin and ANC Younth League president Malusi Gigaba.

Premiers Mbhazima Shilowa, Makhenkesi Stofile, Winkie Direko, Manne Dipico, Ngoako Ramatlhodi and Popo Molefe also appear on the national list - an indication that some of the premiers are likely to be deployed in the national cabinet.

Other ANC leaders on the list include City of Johannesburg mayor Amos Masondo, Tshwane mayor Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, and former premiers Tokyo Sexwale and Mathole Motshekga.

Addressing a media briefing in Johannesburg yesterday, ANC provincial secretary David Makhura said the response from branches had been overwhelming.

He added that 245 of the 325 branches had participated in the nomination process.

He also said the process would culminate with the provincial list conference to be held on October 26.

Objections to the nominations would be taken before the list conference was held.

The objections period opened on Monday and closes next Wednesday.

In raising an objection, a branch should be able to clearly point out why they think a particular candidate is not fit to be a public representative of the ANC.

"Branches will be given an opportunity to examine the list, and there's a procedure for objection and screening."

The list committee would then verify whether the candidates were in good standing and also check other related matters such as criminal records, history or poor discipline or corruption, and any violation of the ANC's code of conduct.

With acknowledgements to Themba wa Sepotokele, Moloantoa Mosia and The Star.