Former president Thabo Mbeki's spokesperson denied a newspaper report on Friday that said he was about to start a civil society group.

"I know nothing about this. It's a lot of rubbish," said Mukoni Ratshitanga.

Beeld newspaper reported that Mbeki had informed ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe at a recent meeting that he would be establishing a lobby group consisting of several church leaders and academics.

The Afrikaans daily said Mbeki told Mantashe that he was finished with politics.

Several meetings to discuss the new organisation have already been held countrywide and an announcement was expected "soon", Beeld reported.

Mbeki is also apparently planning to write a book in which he tells his side of the story. It could be published before elections next year.

Sapa