The African National Congress (ANC) on Saturday called on the public to be cautious when reading Reverend Frank Chikane's public files on the party as "they are not the gospel truth."

"It is in the character of the ANC to promote freedom of speech and free circulation of ideas and information within the ANC and broader society," ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe told journalists at Luthuli House in Johannesburg.

"However, the publication of the Chikane files, especially aspects that purport to report in a distorted fashion [on] NEC [national executive committee] meetings when reverend Chikane was not even present, is viewed in a very serious light."

Mantashe, together with ANC head of policy and Justice Minister Jeff Radebe, were addressing the media on the party's two day NEC meeting, which ended on Friday.

"As an ANC member and leader [Chikane], the officials of the ANC will seek an audience with him," Mantashe said.

This was after he did not attend the NEC meeting that started on Thursday.

The Chikane Files were published in The Star newspaper.

Chikane was the director-general in the office of former President Thabo Mbeki. The files detail the run-up to Mbeki's recall by the ANC in late 2008.