(1) Yesterday evening, 28 January 2009, I received a telephone call from Mr Gwede Mantashe, the Secretary-General of the ANC. The purpose of which was two-fold: (a) To inform me that the ANC branches have nominated me to the ANC list of candidates for the up-coming general election;(b) To enquire what my response was to this nomination, in other words, whether I accepted or declined the nomination. (2) I informed him that I am unfortunately declining the nomination principally for the reason that as a serving Governor of the central bank of the Republic I am not in a position to be on a party list for Parliament and that I have to maintain the independence of the Bank. (3) Finally, I requested him to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the ANC branches for their nomination and the confidence they have shown in me. I trust that they will understand my position.  Enquiries:Samantha HenkemanTel: +27 12 313 4669Email: sam.henkeman@resbank.co.za