The African National Congress has noted an open letter from former ANC National Chairperson Mosiuoa Lekota addressed to the ANC Secretary General.

The ANC finds it extremely unfortunate that Lekota should choose to raise these issues in the form of an open letter.

As a long-standing member of the ANC, Lekota should be familiar with the practices, processes and culture of the organisation.

Having served as the ANC's National Chairperson - the custodian of its policies and decision - for 10 years, Lekota should know that members of the movement are expected to raise whatever concerns they have within the structures of the organisation.

He should know that the National Executive Committee (NEC) - which he chaired for a decade - is the highest decision-making structure between conferences.

He should also know that those who join the ANC do so voluntarily, and undertake to respect and abide by the decisions of its duly-elected structures.

No member of the ANC is prevented from expressing their views. But they should do so within the appropriate forums.

Statement issued by Jessie Duarte, spokesperson for the African National Congress, October 2 2008