Media reports that Minister in the Presidency Essop Pahad has vowed to resign when president Thabo Mbeki steps down are just "speculation", his spokesman said on Saturday.

Spokesperson Samson Phakwago said Essop Pahad had not yet communicated a decision to him.

SABC news reported on Saturday night that Pahad has vowed to resign when President Thabo Mbeki steps down.

"It's just speculation because he is considered very close to the president," said Phakwago.

Phakwago said a decision would probably be made after Mbeki meets with his cabinet in Pretoria on Sunday afternoon.

On Saturday, the ANC announced that it would recall Mbeki from the presidency — following the party's weekend three-day National Executive Council (NEC) meeting.

Mbeki's office had indicated that he would comply with the NEC's decision and resign once all constitutional requirements were met. Deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka has confirmed she will resign when Mbeki does.

Sapa