Director General in the presidency Frank Chikane has agreed to stay on in his post until the 2009 election, government spokesperson Themba Maseko said on Thursday.

Chikane would work closely with presidency Chief Operations Officer Trevor Fowler, Maseko told a media briefing following Wednesday's Cabinet meeting.

Cabinet had thanked Chikane for agreeing to stay on, as well as for his excellent service over the past 13 years, Maseko said.

Chikane's contract expired at the end of October, and he indicated last year he wanted to step down from the post then.

Sapa