The African National Congress (ANC) on Wednesday reaffirmed the party’s commitment to organisational renewal, as well as the advisory role of elders as champions and ambassadors of the party’s renewal agenda.

ANC national officials met with former President Thabo Mbeki following the much-publicised leaked letter that Mbeki addressed to the national officials in which he criticised the party’s protection of President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Phala Phala saga.

The party said meeting with Mbeki over the contents of his letter reflectied a “comradely and collegial spirit”.

The ANC said the discussion was framed around organisational renewal and unity of the ANC.

“To this end, former President Mbeki underscored his strong support for the renewal and unity of the ANC,” the party said.

Among the key areas of discussion was the matter of constitutional democracy, including the role of parliamentary oversight and how these need to be managed.

The ANC highlighted that when all three arms of the State worked in step with one another, any matter of national interest got to be fully ventilated.

“Following a cordial and robust engagement with our former President, the ANC will continue to draw on the well of wisdom of its elders whenever the need arises,” concluded the party.