ANC admits S Africa vote-buying

Mr Motlanthe says no ruling party was immune from careerists

South Africa's African National Congress (ANC) has acknowledged that attempts have been made to buy votes in the ruling party's leadership battle.

ANC Secretary-General Kgalema Motlanthe said the party should denounce the "careerists" involved.

Tens of thousands of dollars are reported to have changed hands.

President Thabo Mbeki faces his former deputy, Jacob Zuma - the favourite to win - at a conference later this month to select a party leader.

Mr Zuma has the support of five provinces as well as the ANC Women's League and Youth League.

Mr Mbeki has the support of four provincial parties.

With only five days before the contest, Mr Motlanthe said vote-buying attempts had increased.

"It is a bit more rampant and pronounced now," he told South Africa's Talk Radio 702 in Johannesburg.

"But you know we are a ruling party, really, and no ruling party is immune from attracting careerists, boastful and you know, adventurous people."

Mr Mbeki is due to step down as national leader in two years, after serving two terms in office.

If Mr Zuma wins, he would be favourite to become South Africa's next president in 2009.