SAfrica foreign min available for ANC leadership

JOHANNESBURG, Nov 16 (Reuters) South African Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said she would not refuse a nomination to head the ruling African National Congress and the country.

Asked if she would be available for the ANC's top post, she told Kaya FM radio late yesterday: ''ANC cadres never refuse when they are deployed. An ANC cadre has a responsibility to respond to what the ANC thinks they should do.'' The ANC will choose a new leader at a party congress next month.

President Thabo Mbeki and his rival Jacob Zuma, Dlamini-Zuma's ex-husband, are seen as the leading contenders in the contest.

The ANC dominates South African politics so whoever wins the race is almost certain to become the country's next president in 2009.

REUTERS SG RK13120