The ANC on Monday defended treasurer general Matthews Phosa against allegations by the Mpumlanaga branch of the party's youth league that he was destabilising the leadership of premier David Mabuza.
The party's national spokesman, Jackson Mthembu, said the party learnt of the allegations "with shock and dismay".
"It is very unfortunate that the youth league through its spokesperson, decided to rubbish the good name of our leaders without good course and substance," said Mthembu.
"We would have expected the youth in Mpumalanga to approach both the ANC leadership in Mpumalanga and at national level with any proof of their allegations before making such public pronouncements."
Mthembu said the party had every confidence in Phosa and firmly believed the allegations were untrue. - Sapa