ANC Gauteng chairman Paul Mashatile, who is also minister of arts and culture, has suggested a prime minister role to ANC leaders in KwaZulu-Natal, City Press reported.

Former president Thabo Mbeki, when he was deputy president in Nelson Mandela's administration, took care of government's day-to-day tasks while Mandela filled a more ceremonial role.

"The president can be head of state, while the prime minister runs government," Mashatile was quoted as saying.

Two vice prime ministers could be added for additional capacity, with one usually responsible for security, and another for international relations.

"That would give us more capacity for government to function, and ministers can then fulfil their Cabinet functions," he said.

His proposal was not a suggestion to take power away from President Jacob Zuma.

Mashatile would need a Constitutional amendment to establish the post of prime minister, the weekly reported.