The African National Congress has noted reports in a number of newspapers today (31 October 2008) suggesting that ANC President Jacob Zuma and the late Billy Nair smoked dagga.

Speaking yesterday at the funeral service of struggle veteran Billy Nair, Zuma said that the two used to smoke 'zol' together.

He was talking about tobacco rolled in paper, often referred to on Robben Island as 'zol'.

For the record, Zuma and Nair did not smoke dagga together.

The ANC understands how Zuma's statement could have been misunderstood.

Statement issued by Jessie Duarte, spokesperson for the African National Congress October 31 2008