The African National Congress has launched a telephone information line which provides the public with automated access to ANC offices and important information about the organisation.

By dialling one number, members of the public can access background information on the ANC and its policies, recent news, and voter registration and elections. Members of the public can also use the service to join the ANC or make donations.

The same number can be used to reach ANC headquarters at Chief Albert Luthuli House and, in time, other ANC offices.

ANC national spokesperson, Smuts Ngonyama, said: "This service forms part of the ANC`s efforts to use advances in information technology to make information on the organisation more accessible to greater numbers of South Africans."

The ANC central number is 086 717 7077.

The information line provides access to a number of value-added services, including information on employment agencies and the ability to apply for a cellphone contract.

NOTE TO MEDIA:

The ANC central number also provides access to recent ANC statements read by ANC spokespersons. Simply dial 086 717 7077 and choose option 2 from the main menu.