afrol News, 1 October - South Africa's ruling African National Congress has dismissed reports that party could split in the wake of resignation of president Thabo Mbeki.

Mr Mbeki's resignation a week ago and replacement by Kgalema Motlanthe has fuelled speculation that officials loyal to former president could form a breakaway faction of ANC.

"These reports have no face to them and are denied by the people reported to be spearheading such a formation," ANC said in a statement.

ANC's comments came as the country's prosecuting authority filed papers in the Pietermaritzburg high court Tuesday to appeal a ruling that quashed corruption charges against party chief Jacob Zuma and led to Mr Mbeki's downfall.

The court ruling hinted that Mr Mbeki had meddled with decision to charge Mr Zuma and dismissed his case on a technicality, saying prosecution's office had not heard ANC chief before deciding to charge him.

Mr Mbeki is fighting allegations of political interference in a separate court application, claiming alleged inferences cost him his job. The ANC chose to recall Mr Mbeki before his term ended next year after the ruling.

SA's Finance Minister Trevor Manuel said there would be continuity despite some government resignations last week.

The finance minister, viewed as the architect of South Africa's recent economic success, initially resigned last week, but has accepted a position in new cabinet.

"There's likely to be some steadying of the ship over the next period. And as that happens individuals would choose to depart," Mr Manuel said, rejecting rumours of a party split.

Gauteng province premier, Mbhazima Shilowa, resigned on Monday, saying he could not support the way party forced out Mr Mbeki before end of his term.

Other pro-Mbeki state premiers were also thought to be considering whether to quit. Mbeki stepped down after a judge suggested he had meddled in a graft case against arch rival Jacob Zuma, who ousted him as ANC leader in December.

Long struggle between Mr Mbeki and Mr Zuma has undermined ANC's traditional unity and plunged South Africa into its biggest political crisis since end of apartheid.

New president Motlanthe was sworn in as president last Thursday and is expected to steer the country toward next year's elections when Mr Zuma is tipped to become country's new leader.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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