The ANC's four-day-long policy conference has cost the party R40-million, the Sunday Independent reports.

This included the cost of hiring Gallagher convention centre in Midrand, accommodation, meals for 3500 delegates, and their transport from various parts of the country, treasurer general Mathews Phosa was quoted as saying.

The African National Congress had paid its bills "in cash". Delegates had paid a token contribution, but unnamed donors had been "generous".

About 5000 delegates were expected to attend the party's elective conference in Mangaung in December, Phosa told the paper.