The African National Congress (ANC) in a statement on Monday has dismissed as fake news an earlier press release saying that its secretary general Ace Magashule has distanced the organisation from a letter distributed by President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier that day.

"The ANC condemns in the strongest possible terms the work of fake-news peddlers who are hellbent on sowing divisions within the ranks of the ANC.

"The latest installment comes from those who claim that ANC secretary general, comrade Ace Magashule, has distanced the ANC from President Cyril Ramaphosa’s letter addressed to ANC members.

"We are aware that detractors thrive on divisions and despise harmony," the statement released by spokesperson Pule Mabe said.

"It is clear that wedge-drivers who hate to see a united ANC are now on overdrive trying everything possible to undermine the collective resolve and unity of our leadership to fight corruption wherever it raises its ugly head," the statement said.

"We wish to state unequivocally that the entire leadership of the ANC including the Secretary General, is in full support of the contents of the letter from President Ramaphosa as it reflects and represent the views of the collective." 

It also said that the letter from Ramaphosa, a seven-page document that heralded a turning point in the fight against corruption came from the party's 54th National Conference.

"We urge our structures and members to remain vigilant and defend the unity of their organisation against those who seek to weaken the ANC.  The unity of our movement remains sacrosanct," it said.