The African National Congress (ANC) won't be distracted by smaller parties as it prepares for an outright majority in the upcoming general election.

This is according to ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa, who was speaking at a Peter Mokaba Memorial Lecture in KwaNyamazane, Mbombela, on Thursday evening.

Mokaba was a former president of the ANC Youth League (ANCYL).

Ramaphosa told young people in the audience that smaller parties would not deter the ANC from achieving its goal.

He said the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party was ramping up its campaign in several provinces across South Africa.  

The MK party enjoys the support of former president Jacob Zuma, who announced in December that he would not campaign or vote for the ANC.

In the upcoming election, which Ramaphosa hinted could be held towards the end of the year, the ANC is going up against a host of emerging parties as well as a collective of some opposition parties.

"Your president [Collen Malatji of the ANCYL] spoke about the proliferation of various political parties going into the election ... All I can say is that we are working towards an outright majority as the ANC," Ramaphosa said.

He called on young people to be fearless going into the election.

"There are those among us who are becoming terrified, and I say adopt the Peter Mokaba courage and fearlessness," Ramaphosa encouraged.

Earlier in the day, he spoke at an ANC Women's League (ANCWL) event at the El Shaddai Tabernacle in Mbombela, where dozens of women from various church denominations were gathered.

He told the gathering that he was confident the ANC would win with an overwhelming majority and that it was the only party with the knowledge and experience to take South Africa "forward".

ANCWL president Sisisi Tolashe said the party should not focus on "side shows".

"We are at war and that is why we have prayed. We are praying to end gender-based violence and crime in our country. We have also prayed for our government to be able to create jobs," Tolashe said.

ANC deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane, borrowing from the Bible, spoke about the importance of not being distracted.

"The scripture I read today talks about [two women] who were preoccupied trying to do too many other things to impress Jesus.

"But Jesus said to focus on what you are doing and what you can do. The final point, Mr President, is that when you have a responsibility, refuse to be distracted. Under your leadership, help us to refuse to be distracted," Mokonyane said.