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Johannesburg - While political parties took part in a debate on whether good governance could increase trust among government, civil society, labour and business, the ANC was absent.
Opposition parties blamed the government for high levels of corruption in the country at the Black Management Forum conference on Thursday about good governance.
Agang SA leader Mamphela Ramphele, Democratic Alliance spokesperson Mmusi Maimane, United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa, African People's Convention leader Themba Godi and National Freedom Party secretary general Nhlanhla Khubisa took part in the debate.
All said strong action needed to be taken against corruption.
On Thursday, the ANC said its secretary general Gwede Mantashe was not aware that he was meant to be part of a debate, but had received an invitation to address the conference.
"He respectfully declined because he had addressed the same conference last year," spokesperson Khusela Sangoni said.
National Union of Metalworkers of SA general secretary Irvin Jim was also scheduled to be part of the debate, but was not present.
On Wednesday, SA Communist Party general secretary Blade Nzimande was expected to address the conference, but was not able attend at the last minute.
When asked why no one from the government or the ANC was present at the conference Mohale said that logistically it had not worked out.
However, it was important for the ANC to be there, he said.
"This ANC-led government... are the ones that need to lead by example by just being able and willing to listen to what our [BMF] members have to offer as solutions to addressing some of our hardest issues," said BMF president Bonang Mohale.
