The ANC leadership is Gauteng expressed concern on Tuesday over ex-premier Mbhazima Shilowa's "hostile position" against the ANC.

"(Shilowa) and others have adopted a hostile position against the ANC and have publicly raised issues which require the attention of the movement while ignoring the ANC constitutional structures," said the party's Provincial Working Committee (PWC), following a meeting in Randfontein.

The PWC called on Shilowa and others to "desist from bringing the ANC into disrepute" and to use the structures of the organisation to voice their concerns.

"All ANC members must abide by the Constitution of the ANC and comrade Shilowa is no exception," it said.

Present at the meeting were ANC provincial chairperson Paul Mashatile, deputy chairperson Nomvula Mokonyane and elected members of the committee.

The PWC said it stood firmly behind the national leadership of the ANC and "no amount of bullying or threats" would derail them from their "historic mission to build a united, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous country."

It said it remains "seized" with news of the possible formation of a break-away party and called on all ANC members to continue mobilising people behind the party.

"(We) will take the necessary steps to protect the ANC and build a united and cohesive organisation in Gauteng," said the PWC.

The ANC has recently embarked on door-to-door visits, encouraging communities to register for next year's election.

Sapa