The youth league cautioned alliance partners and others against publicly declaring their support for certain leaders.
The party’s general manager, Ignatius Jacobs, has been implicated in an alleged covert election campaign aimed at discrediting opposition parties.
Party members have been told to shut up but even Zuma and Mantashe are getting in on the issue.
The partnerships in municipalities will be tested as the parties decide on budgets and priorities
Concerns have been raised that Zuma may be trying to play the family card to avoid possible prosecution after his term is up.
The president delivered his speech at the celebrations held on Sunday.
Supporters who attended the anniversary celebrations said they were optimistic and excited at the opportunity for renewal 2017 presented the ANC.
Zuma continues to call for unity but 2017 is expected to be one of the most divisive years for an ANC that is already riddled with factionalism.
Fearing a showdown, several groups in the party want compromise presidential candidates
The president also has to face the ANC’s integrity commission and court corruption rulings.