South Africa's finance minister has called for the next head of the International Monetary Fund to come from a developing nation.

Pravin Gordhan said Wednesday that such a candidate would ensure the interests of both developed and developing nations are reflected in IMF policies.

Gordhan said there are several eligible contenders, but he did not list any of them.

South Africa's former finance minister, Trevor Manuel, has been raised in media reports as one possible candidate.

The current IMF chief, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, is awaiting trial in New York on charges of attempted rape.

The IMF post has traditionally gone to a European since the fund was created in 1945. Emerging world powers, such as China, have suggested it is time to reconsider that arrangement.