Cleric Allan Boesak, who quite the Congress of the People (Cope) this week, on Thursday denied news reports that he had requested a meeting with President Jacob Zuma.

"I have not in the past and have not now requested any meetings with the President of South Africa. I do, however, have great respect for the office that Mr Zuma holds," Boesak said in a statement.

"I will be serving the South African people and our democracy as best as possible as [a] civil society role player.

"This means that the contribution I hope to make will be from outside any party political structures, including those of the African National Congress (ANC)," said Boesak.

The Star newspaper reported earlier this week that Boesak wanted to meet Zuma about possibly rejoining the ANC.

Boesak announced his resignation as Cope Western Cape leader on Tuesday, saying the opposition party's structures were in disarray.

Shortly after that, Labour Minister Membathisi Mdladlana issued a statement "reminding" Boesak that the ANC was his political home.

"As is the case with President Zuma, I will... make myself available for discussions with any and all stakeholders who share my concern about the stability and growth of South Africa and who wish to engage me on my views and input," said Boesak.