As some opposition political parties welcomed the election of Kgalema Motlanthe as president, others warned him not to use state power to shield African National Congress (ANC) president Jacob Zuma from his legal troubles.

Motlanthe was elected in Parliament yesterday, replacing Thabo Mbeki, who resigned on Sunday.

Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille said Motlanthe’s immediate priority must be to rise above the ANC’s internal strife and put the interests of South Africans first. Zille said Motlanthe should announce the establishment of a commission of inquiry into the arms deal headed by a judge nominated by the chief justice.

Motlanthe should also state that there would be no political solution to the legal problems facing Zuma.

“Any attempt to circumvent the legal process will reveal the ‘recall’ of Thabo Mbeki for what we believe it was: a cynical move by the Zuma faction to get its man off the hook without his guilt or innocence being established in a court of law.”

United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa said the new administration would be judged on whether it would advance the ANC campaign of devaluing state institutions and purging people in the administration. “Indeed, are they coming in to implement the call to permanently withdraw the charges against Zuma?” asked Holomisa.

The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) reaffirmed its support for Motlanthe and his deputy, Baleka Mbete. “The ANCYL has confidence in this leadership and certain that they will not betray the aspirations of the people of South Africa,” said league spokesman Floyd Shivambu.

ANC Women’s League president Angie Motshekga said: “The policies and programmes of government, including resolutions taken at last year’s ANC national conference in Polokwane, and the accelerated empowerment of women, will be enhanced." With Sapa

With acknowledgements to Sibongakonke Shoba and Business Day.