ANC Treasurer General Mathews Phosa held a meeting earlier this morning (13 October 2008) with former ANC National Chairperson Mosiuoa Lekota.

The Treasurer General went through the open letter sent by Lekota to the ANC Secretary General, and explained the ANC's position on each of the matters raised in the letter. He further discussed some of the organisational challenges that the organisation has worked to address since the ANC's Polokwane Conference.

Lekota indicated that he still wants a response to his open letter in writing. The ANC has undertaken to provide Lekota with such a reply.

The ANC reiterates its commitment to defend and safeguard the constitution, including the right of freedom of association.

The ANC respects the right of any person to form a political party.

The ANC also reiterates the fundamental principle of the organisation that all members have voluntarily undertaken to respect its decisions, internal processes and democratically-elected structures.

Whatever grievances or concerns any ANC members may have, that does not give them a licence to defy decisions of ANC structures, to destabilise the organisation, or to engage in factional activity.

The ANC remains committed to engage with any and all loyal and disciplined members of the ANC on any matters of concern they may have.

Statement issued by Jessie Duarte, African National Congress spokesperson, October 13 2008