"Let me... apologise on behalf of the ANC about some of the mishaps that happened [to journalists]," national executive committee member Jeff Radebe told reporters in Midrand.

"We have taken steps to ensure it doesn't happen again."

He said it was not African National Congress policy to deal with the media in such a manner.

ANC spokesman Keith Khoza told reporters earlier in the day they had to stay away from the Gallagher Estate conference hall while commissions were sitting. Reporters were only allowed to speak to delegates during tea and lunch breaks.

During the lunch break, police walked up to reporters and photographers from various media houses and confiscated their accreditation tags.

A Sapa photographer's tag was confiscated, and photographers from the Daily Sun and Mail&Guardian had their cameras taken away.

Spokesman Jackson Mthembu said the cameras and tags had been returned.

However several photographers said their cameras were returned to them with photos of delegates deleted.

Mthembu said security officials often behaved contrary to the party's instructions.

"Security is security. Even the ANC security does things that amaze us," Mthembu said.

"We would like to add to the apology that comrade Jeff made, that comes from our deepest hearts."