No ultimatum had been given to former Malagasy President Marc Ravalomanana to leave South Africa, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said on Thursday.

"The South African government notes the statement made by the former President of Madagascar, Mr Marc Ravalomanana, stating his intent to return to Madagascar on February 19, 2011," department spokesperson Clayson Monyela said.

"The South African government cautions against any unilateral measures taken prior to the SADC [Southern African Development Community] Organ meeting where the SADC mediator will deliver his report on Madagascar."

French news agency AFP reported that Ravalomanana would return to the island nation on Saturday in a bid to prepare new elections nearly two years after his army-backed ouster.

The deposed president, who would return under the threat of arrest, declared himself as Madagascar's rightful leader on Thursday and said he was going back to start "desperately needed" talks that must pave the way to new polls.

He said the rule of his rival Andry Rajoelina, the army-backed opposition leader who ousted him in a coup in March 2009, was illegal and it was time for him to return home.

Monyela said government was waiting for the report of the mediator, former president of Mozambique Joaquim Chissano, to SADC and once the report had been delivered, South Africa's position on the issue would be communicated.

"South Africa continues to support efforts by the SADC mediator to assist Madagascar to return to constitutional normalcy," he said.