Deputy minister of science and technology Derek Hanekom has asked businessman Cyril Ramaphosa to run for president, the City Press reported on Sunday.
“We need leaders of comrade Cyril's calibre. I know Cyril is very good at business, but I really wish he would put all his money in a trust and step up for a higher and more senior position,” Hanekom said, hosting a panel discussion on the life of Walter Sisulu at the Wits Great Hall on Friday night.
“I'm not starting a succession debate here,” Hanekom said when he realised how his comments could be interpreted, the City Press reported.
Parliamentary speaker Max Sisulu, ANC Gauteng secretary David Makhura, government spokesman Jimmy Manyi and Johannesburg mayor Parks Tau were at the event, held under the auspices of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation and the ANC in Gauteng.
“You can't read anything (into what he said). He was joking,” Ramaphosa told the City Press. - Sapa