The Gauteng African National Congress (ANC) provincial executive committee (PEC) said on Wednesday that it was not pushing for an early party conference because "certain groups want to align government leadership with the party".

"The PEC is considering an early conference because of the FIFA Soccer World Cup, the scheduled ANC national general council in September 2010 and preparations for the 2011 local government elections," the party said in a statement.

The ANC PEC would hold its provincial conference from January 23 to January 24.

It was reported in the Business Day on Wednesday that the PEC was pushing for an early provincial conference because "certain groups want to align government leadership with the party".

"We are concerned by this form of reporting which is mischievous and has overlooked the enormous task that the ANC and government are doing to bring a better life for our communities."

It said the "issue of leadership will arise when the structures of the ANC have taken a decision".

The ANC Gauteng said it wanted to clarify that the issue of two centres of power was non-existent as all leaders were in one executive committee and received their mandate from the ANC.

"The chairperson [Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture Paul Mashatile] and the deputy chairperson [Premier Nomvula Mokonyane] have no distinctive views on issues, they work together.

"The party works very well with government and the leadership is united and cohesive on all issues."