The ANC will continue to "engage" with former defense minister Mosiuoa Lekota and other members who have grievances, the party said on Wednesday.

"The African National Congress has taken note of the press conference addressed earlier today [Wednesday] by former ANC national chairperson Mosiuoa Lekota," it said in a statement.

This followed two open letters sent by Lekota to ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe.

"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," it said.

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

"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 would continue with its preparations for the 2009 election determined to receive a renewed mandate to halve poverty and unemployment by 2014, the party said.

Sapa