"The renewal must include revitalisation of structures of the movement [ANC]," Zuma told delegates during his opening address at Gallagher Estate in Midrand, Johannesburg.

"Conference must seriously discuss the proposal."

Zuma said ANC members had a responsibility to maintain the party's character.

Organisational renewal is one of the topics in the 13 policy documents the ANC will discuss during the four-day conference.

Zuma asked delegates to discuss the notion of a second transition when dealing with the strategy and tactics document.

"It is time to ask questions about the present and future.... The last 18 years was the first transition," he said.

"We are calling for a dramatic shift... to deal with the triple challenge of poverty, unemployment and inequality."