Finance Minister Trevor Manuel and Minerals and Energy Minister Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka have emerged as the two frontrunners for the post of deputy president following the sacking of Jacob Zuma last week.

While the inclusion of Manuel is a logical choice given his seniority in government and his international standing, Mlambo-Ngcuka would be the more controversial choice.

She is married to former national director of public prosecutions Bulelani Ngcuka, blamed by Zuma and his supporters for initiating what they believe is a judicial persecution of the former deputy president to destroy him politically. Mlambo-Ngcuka has also been implicated in two damaging corruption scandals, the latest being the Oilgate party funding scandal.

Government spokesman Joel Netshitenzhe said yesterday that Mbeki would make “an announcement with regard to changes in the executive” after a scheduled cabinet meeting today. The announcement could be part of a reshuffle that could see Public Works Minister Stella Sigcau and Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang being dropped.

Communications Minister Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri has long been seen as less than efficient, given her part in repeated blunders in government’s telecommunications liberalisation drive.

Manuel, SA’s longest-serving finance minister, is reportedly keen to change jobs, having previously been punted for positions in the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.

While he is close to Mbeki and would be key to helping the president’s revamp of government structures, he is reportedly not keen on becoming deputy president. But he has previously said he would serve at the president’s pleasure.

Mlambo-Ngcuka’s name is the latest addition in a long line of frontrunners who have emerged since the job became vacant last Tuesday. But she is said to be apprehensive about taking what is fast shaping up to be the most hazardous job in South African politics.

Unconfirmed reports were that Mlambo-Ngcuka twice refused to accept the job after Mbeki offered it to her. Senior aides who spoke on condition of anonymity said she tentatively accepted Mbeki’s offer yesterday.

Yvonne Mfolo, Mlambo-Ngcuka’s spokeswoman, said: “No announcement has been made to us to that effect.”

She said Mlambo-Ngcuka was not available to confirm her reported acceptance of Mbeki’s offer as she was overseas on government business.

Commentators said Mlambo-Ngcuka would be politically risky for Mbeki. “With (the Oilgate scandal) unresolved, her appointment would send conflicting messages on corruption at a time when Mbeki needs to be consistent on the issue,” said analyst Aubrey Matshiqi.

Mlambo-Ngcuka is still under a cloud following revelations that her brother received R50000 from controversial businessman Sandi Majali, who has business interests in the energy sector. The issue is being investigated by public protector Lawrence Mushwana.

It is the second time Mlambo-Ngcuka has been investigated by the office. In 2002 she was cleared by the public protector after she received a massive discount on a piece of expensive jewellery. Her appointment could also underscore suspicion that Zuma was removed for political reasons.

With acknowledgements to Vukani Mde,Karima Brown and the Business Day.