Writer and academic Professor Fatima Meer said on Sunday that reports recording her "defection" to the Congress of the People were false.

Meer said in a statement: "I deplore the manner in which it was
publicised. I saw myself as welcoming an old friend, Terror Lekota, to my home on a private visit and was totally unaware that he was travelling with a battery of media persons.
"I have neither left the ANC nor joined the Congress of the People."

Meer congratulated the ANC on spawning its own opposition.
"A healthy democracy needs an effective opposition. Whether COPE will be that is yet to be seen."

The ANC had to review its performance and had ahead of it an enormous task of eliminating poverty and establishing equality.

"I have criticised the ANC in the past and still remain critical of it.
"I hope to deepen my discussions with the leadership, particularly with regards to the concerns of civil society."

She would remain in the ANC and work for the implementation of the Freedom Charter.

Meer's statement was read out at an activists' forum to engage minorities at the Durban's City Hall by her brother Farouk Meer.

The forum was addressed by ANC KZN chairperson Dr Zweli Mkhize and NEC member and Premier Sbu Ndebele.