I learned fashion from mum and Motlanthe: Gigaba

Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba - who wore an SA Airways pilot uniform to the State of the Nation Address earlier this year - has cited his mother and Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe as his fashion mentors.

"My mother... insisted from my childhood that I dress well, tuck my shirt in and have my shoes polished; and walk straight and upright," Gigaba told the Sunday Independent during an interview.

He was also inspired by the way Motlanthe, as one of the "older leaders" of the party, presented himself.

"They [leaders like Motlanthe] understood their responsibility to the nation. If you must lead people, you must command respect by the way you appear to them, the way you address them and by your conduct."

Gigaba, who is heading the ANC's election campaign this year, was placed third on the party's list of parliamentary candidates which was released this week.

He told the Sunday Independent he was "shocked" and "humbled" by his placing.

Asked to comment on controversial listed candidates, such as recalled former communications minister Dina Pule, Gigaba said it had to be remembered that the list was made up of branch nominations.

"Their nomination doesn't mean they are going to be minister. That is at the president's discretion."

The country's general elections are scheduled to take place on May 7.