This according to the president's spokesperson, Khusela Diko.

Diko says while Mabuza is the party's deputy president, he has not yet been sworn-in as a Member of Parliament.

"I understand that David Mabuza has requested a postponement of his swearing in. If he is eventually sworn in then he will be eligible..." she said.  

Mabuza requested the party to postpone his swearing-in as an MP in light of a report by the ANC Integrity Commission in which he is alleged to have prejudiced the integrity of the ANC and brought the organisation into disrepute.

Meanwhile, former International Relations Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, Minister in the Presidency, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and Higher Education Minister, Naledi Pandor, have been named as possible candidates for the job.

The president is expected to announce his Cabinet later this week.

eNCA