ANC president Jacob Zuma has explained his remark that the ANC will rule until Jesus returns, saying this was merely a "political expression".

"Talking about Jesus is not abusing his name," he said in Johannesburg on Thursday after a day-long meeting with the Afrikaner community.

No harm was intended, he said, as he was merely making a "political statement".

"It's just a political expression that we [the ANC] are strong and will be strong for a long time," he said.

Zuma acknowledged that some were "uncomfortable" when the ruling party spoke about the church, but it was natural for the party to talk about it as the ANC was established by, among other groups, the church.

"It's a historical fact... it's what the ANC history is all about," Zuma said.

"I want to apologise if this reality sits uncomfortably with others."

Zuma added that he was baptised and he knew Jesus.

"I fear God," he said.

The ruling party's presidential pick recapped the many issues raised by the community, including language, land reform, crime, the use of his signature tune Awulethu' Mshini Wami and affirmative action.

He described Afrikaners as the only true South Africans among white groups in the country.

Zuma appeared relaxed as he took to the podium after ANC treasurer general Mathews Phosa, engaging with the audience who welcomed his summation of the talks with outbursts of applause.

Zuma's tough crime stance

Zuma's comments on crime were well received by his captive audience.

"We are absolutely serious about dealing with crime," he said, adding that the coming government may "lose friends" in its approach to crime.

"I don't think we should tolerate criminals who kill people... and apply the law in the same way as we are applying it to citizens who are adhering to the law."

He called for a change of the police's "psychology", saying that in the past the police had inspired fear in people.

Zuma said punishment of police members found committing crimes should be "doubled".

"I don't know if we will succeed... the democrats and lawyers may argue."

Zuma emphasised that the "momentum of the engagement" with the Afrikaners had to be maintained.

"I would suggest the organisers... we could then say at some point let us come back again."

After a lengthy summary of the meeting, Zuma closed with an English translation of an Afrikaans poem, rounding off with the words: "Baie dankie".