Kgalema Motlanthe emerged from last December’s fratricidal leadership contest of the ruling African National Congress as a soothing influence when knives were sharpening and tempers fraying.

In the months of acrimonious infighting since – culminating in last Friday’s decision by the ANC national executive to force Thabo Mbeki prematurely from South Africa’s presidency – Mr Motlanthe, the deputy leader of the ANC, has consolidated his reputation as a steady hand.