African National Congress president Jacob Zuma says that former president Nelson Mandela belongs to the ANC.

"The fact of the matter is that Madiba belongs to the ANC," Zuma said at a rally in Mpumalanga on Sunday.

"He has never associated himself with any organisation except the ANC. He has served the ANC for many years and represented the ANC in government. He himself said that if he were to die, he would look for the nearest branch of the ANC in heaven.

"People who have nothing to say to the voters should not claim Madiba for their parties. Instead of preaching about Madiba, they should start telling people what their parties will do for them. They must leave Madiba alone," he said.

Zuma also said that the next government will be tough on corruption.

"If you know that you have long fingers, you must not bother to serve in government because we will remove you.

"If your service to the people is motivated by money, then go and form a business. The ANC and government is the wrong place for you. We will deal harshly with corruption. I have warned all our candidates about this," Zuma said in Kwaggafontein to a crowd the ANC put at 12 000 people.

Zuma also said people should not waste their vote on parties that will not win.

"A vote for parties whose sole policy is to reduce the ANC's majority or whose goal is to get as little as 10 percent, was as good as a wasted vote, " he said.