The African National Congress has taken note of the press conference addressed earlier today (8 October 2008) by former ANC National Chairperson Mosiuoa Lekota. This follows two open letters sent by him to the ANC Secretary General.

For its part, the ANC will continue to engage with all and any members of the ANC who have concerns or grievances. It will specifically continue its engagement with Mosiuoa Lekota and any others who may share his views.

The ANC has a responsibility to provide political leadership, and will therefore always act to unite the organisation, the broader democratic movement and South African society.

As it does so, the ANC's focus will remain on its programme to achieve a better life for all South Africans.

It will not be deterred for one moment from its ongoing work to fight poverty, create employment, improve access to quality education and health care, build safer communities and forge a united nation.

The ANC will continue with its preparations for the 2009 election determined to receive a renewed mandate to halve poverty and unwemployment by 2014.

The ANC is currently mobilising all its structures as part of a concerted effort to encourage all South Africans of voting age, particularly the youth, to register to vote on the weekend of 8-9 November.

Statement issued by Jessie Duarte, African National Congress spokesperson, October 8 2008