The African National Congress (ANC) has defended the sentences imposed on its national chairman and Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota and former parliamentary chief whip Tony Yengeni.

The R5000 fine imposed on Lekota for failing to declare his petrol and wine farming business interests to Parliament, and the suspended sentence Yengeni received for consistently denying he received a 47% discount on a vehicle, drew criticism from opposition parties who felt the ANC was not serious about dealing with misconduct in its ranks.

The party said yesterday that it was satisfied that Yengeni, who had his membership of the ANC suspended for five years, but "whole suspended" for three years, did not acquire the vehicle fraudulently. It said that he was also co-operative with the disciplinary committee.

ANC spokesman Steyn Speed said Yengeni expressed remorse for his unbecoming behaviour and the embarrassment that had been caused to the party by his actions.

"He will remain a member of the ANC and the national executive committee, provided during the three years he is not convicted of any offence by a court of law and does not contravene the ANC constitution and its code of conduct," said Speed.

On Lekota, the party said it took into account the promptness and responsible manner in which he dealt with the matter.

It was satisfied that there was no intention on his part to defraud, but that his actions were the result of negligence.

With acknowledgements to Xolani Xundu and the Business Day.