An announcement on the terms of reference for South Africa's arms deal inquiry may be imminent, Cabinet spokesperson Jimmy Manyi suggested on Thursday.

"Just watch this space," he told reporters in Pretoria following Cabinet's fortnightly meeting the day before.

Manyi was asked whether President Jacob Zuma had discussed this with his executive.

He said announcements on the arms deal inquiry, as well as a response to recommendations contained in the Public Protector's report on national police commissioner General Bheki Cele, were matters for the president and not Cabinet.

"These are not Cabinet processes; they're what the president does. So if you want to know more on the lease story and public works, [Zuma's spokesperson] Mac Maharaj is the guy to speak to.

"On the arms deal, again, no feedback was given. Again, as you know, this is a presidential announcement."

The president had said he was taking this matter very seriously.

"So I think you must trust the president; when he says so, he means it. So I think just watch this space. Your thirst will be quenched," Manyi said.

A month ago, on September 15, Zuma announced he would appoint a judicial commission of inquiry into South Africa's controversial multi-billion-rand arms deal.

In a statement at the time, Maharaj said Zuma would "soon announce the terms of reference and the composition of the commission, including the time frames".