If a new party were formed through an ANC split, it would probably not have a long life span, said ANC president Jacob Zuma in Sandton on Tuesday.

"What kind of alternative policies could you put across alternate to the ANC, that would challenge the ANC? I don't think so, but I'm not saying it can't happen."

He was speaking at a briefing with black business. He said if a split happens: "I don't think it would have a very long life span, I would be surprised.

"You can’t believe in the ANC and its policies so deeply, and then form an organisation that repeats the same policies, that would be funny."

He said a party could be formed out of "anger and die down very quickly.

"You would be stranded if you were in the ANC, you could be in cold and in the snow, and then say, I better go back home."

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Sapa