Provincial chairperson of the ANC in Gauteng, Paul Mashatile, has been recommended for the new Gauteng Premier, the African National Congress (ANC) announced on Friday.

This, after Gauteng Premier, Mbhazima Shilowa's resignation this week.

"The ANC's national leadership has decided to recommend Mashatile be elected premier of the province," the statement said.

The Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) is set to hold a special meeting next week Tuesday to elect a new premier. The new premier would take the oath at the GPL offices.

In response, Mashatile thanked the ANC for showing "confidence" in him.

"ANC members and its people have contributed immensely to my personal growth and political development as they loyal servant," said Mashatile.

He vowed not to disappoint and pledged his commitment in ensuring government served its people.

"In the next six months, our focus in government will be to complete the implementation of our 2004 electoral mandate. We will pay special attention to the building of a stable economy," said Mashatile.

In 2006, Mashatile was criticised by opposition parties for spending nearly R100 000 on a dinner at the posh Auberge Michel restaurant in Sandton on 23 June.

Mashatile used his government credit card to entertain colleagues from the economics and treasury departments and Gauteng Shared Services Centre.

However, his office dismissed suggestions that there was anything sinister about his R96 000 post-budget speech dinner bill.

Mashatile reportedly spent more than R250 000 on restaurant bills in the five months from February to June in 2006.

Sapa