The African National Congress's national executive committee (NEC) is satisfied that no irregularities took place with the primary contracts in the arms procurement process.

At a meeting on the weekend, the NEC confirmed the earlier findings of three government agencies - the Auditor-General, the Director for Public Prosecutions and the Public Protector - which conducted an initial investigation.

In a statement on Monday the NEC "expressed confidence in the distinguished manner in which procurement around primary contracts was handled".

The NEC said "matters regarding secondary contracts, which have been a subject of investigation by the Scorpions unit, will continue to be dealt with by the relevant institutions of justice to their logical conclusion, as these have nothing to do with government."

Government was, however, able to deal decisively with accusations and counter-accusations that were widely reported in the media, said the statement.

"The ANC distances itself from reports carried by the SABC suggesting an ANC investigation into allegations around the Director for Public Prosecutions.

"There is no decision taken by the NEC suggesting any form of investigation on the Director for Public Prosecutions by the ANC," it said.

Following the loose alliance between the Inkatha Freedom Party and Democratic Alliance, the NEC decided a "bilateral engagement with the IFP is necessary and through the committee, that will include the presidents of both organisations, with a view to find common ground regarding the relationship between the two parties."

The NEC statement expressed "its surprise and disappointment at the IFP's flirtation with the DA and its election to stoop to the level of resorting to lies and fabrications to drum up support for their newly established so-called 'coalition for change'."

The statement said: "The ANC has always held a view that closer co-operation with the IFP provided the necessary space needed to speed up delivery and unite our people across the divide, and effectively eradicate apartheid legacy once and for all."

The NEC called on government leaders to get actively involved in the registration campaign for next year's elections and to mobilise people to register, "especially the youth, the majority of whom are first time voters".

It was satisfied with the existing elections machinery, said the statement.

The committee also expressed its "concern about recent allegations of racism in rugby". It, however, endorsed the position taken by the South African Rugby Football Union to deal with the matter and fully supported the Springbok team in the upcoming Rugby World Cup.

The NEC also affirmed its support for the 2010 Soccer World Cup bid and wished the Congress of South African Trade Unions success at their congress this week.

The NEC congratulated the new national executive committee of the ANC Women's League, led by President Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.

The committee "threw its weight behind the campaign to seek clemency and reprieve from the death penalty imposed on Amina Lawal", said the statement.

The next NEC meeting is scheduled for November 29 - 30.

With acknowledgements to Sapa and Independent Online.