Rumours of a new political party will not distract the ANC from its work, though there seemed to be little substance to the rumours, the ANC said on Tuesday.

Spokesperson Jessie Duarte said: "The ANC takes notes of the reports in the media on the imminent formation of a new party. These reports have no face to them and are denied by people reported to be spearheading such a formation.

"The ANC will not be distracted from its historic mission and... its immediate task as the leading party in government."

Outgoing Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa, when he announced his resignation on Monday to protest against the removal of Thabo Mbeki as president, denied any knowledge of a new party.

Duarte said the formation of a new party would be normal in a democracy.

"The practice of multi-party democracy accommodates the formation of new parties. In democracies around the world it is a normal occurrence in the hustle and bustle of politics, and South Africa is no exception.

"Our constitution guarantees the freedom of association," she said.

Sapa