President Jacob Zuma and the African National Congress (ANC) sent their well-wishes to Muslims and the Jewish community on Saturday as they celebrate religious holidays.

In separate statements issued by the Presidency and the political party, Zuma and the ANC reminded the Muslim and Jewish communities of their importance to South Africa.

Muslims are celebrating the end of Ramadaan through Eid al-Fitr while the Jewish are enjoying Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year.

"To all Muslims, I wish you well for Eid al-Fitr. May you keep alive the lessons learnt during the month of Ramadaan for the betterment of our nation," Zuma said.

"To our Jewish community, I wish you a sweet and good year for Rosh Hashana. This sacred period is one in which we renew calls for reconciliation and peace," he said.

Zuma said these religious celebrations were filled with messages of renewal and hope following the sacrifice and remembrance of suffering.

"Both communities have taught us the capacity to endure hardships without losing faith, hope and optimism.

"These are qualities that all South Africans would do well to recommit to. Our nation too is constantly renewing itself, and we should do so with faith, hope and optimism," he said, adding that "our strength and unity lies in our diversity," he said.

Zuma further commended the religious groups for being an example of co-existence on the Southern tip of Africa.

"This shows, yet again, what remarkable people South Africans are and how visionary and durable our democracy is," he said.

While the ANC's national executive committee were currently on its second day of its three-day meeting in Esselen Park, party spokesman Brian Sokutu said that religious celebrations were a reminder of the important roles played by religious leaders.

"They continue to make a meaningful contribution in the country's social and political affairs."

"It is against this background that the ANC has established a sub-committee dealing with religious and traditional issues," he said.