Durban: ANC secretary-general Kgalema Motlanthe has confirmed that ANC deputy president, Jacob Zuma, will be part of the party's electioneering strategy for the coming local government elections - a sharp departure from an earlier statement by the ANC.

Zuma will attend the official launch of the party's election campaign in Cape Town on Sunday, Motlanthe said yesterday.

Following Zuma's December 6 appearance in the Johannesburg Magistrate Court on a rape charge, the party's national working committee decided to gag him from pronouncing on its behalf, participating in its activities or speaking in his capacity as its deputy president.

This was only to change if and when he is found not guilty. Zuma, out on a bail of R20 000, is due to appear in court on the rape charge on February 13.

On July 31, he will go on trial in Durban High Court on two counts of corruption.

Motlanthe said Zuma would campaign in his capacity as a member of the ANC but would do so under stringent conditions.

First, Zuma has to foot his own travelling and hotel costs should he decide to campaign for the party.

He will also not lead the party's election campaign in KwaZulu-Natal or be allowed to address ANC members or speak on behalf of the party at election rallies.

However, Motlanthe said Zuma would be in Cape Town on Sunday where the party will officially launch its election campaign.

This will coincide with the ANC's January 8 statement where the party is expected to announce its theme for 2006 and reveal its programme of action for the year.

"He remains a member of the ANC and as such, he is expected to campaign because we expect all our members in all parts of the country to vigorously campaign for the ANC ahead of the municipal elections," said Motlanthe.

While Zuma flies the party flag, the ANC will not pay his expenses or foot the bill for Sunday's flight to Cape Town, Motlanthe said.

With acknowledgements to Zukile Majova and the Cape Times.