Former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda warned South Africa against repeating the same mistakes that other African countries, such as Zimbabwe, had made in trying to resolve the land issue.

"To you Comrade [Jacob] Zuma, you have more serious problems than any of us - the land question. Please remember two wrongs can never make a right," he said. "Discuss with leaders, white leaders, the problem of land. The situation here is very serious."

Kaunda was addressing hundreds of dignitaries at the former Vista University grounds.

The elderly statesman earlier received a standing ovation as he rose to speak.

More than 40 former and current African statesmen attended the event, as well as US human rights activist the Rev Jesse Jackson.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni praised the ANC for do ing the entire continent proud by introducing a plan to instil non-racialism through the Freedom Charter.

"The way you handled the issue of racism - the Freedom Charter - that was a master stroke when you said it does not matter who you are, whether you are black or white."

He also credited the party with ending tribal wars.

"We salute you for transforming the struggle. The ANC galvanised all these tribal struggles into a national struggle."

Struggle stalwart and Robben Island inmate Ahmed Kathrada nearly broke down in tears as he recalled his arrest in the then Orange Free State in 1955 as Indians were not allowed to visit the province at the time. Only whites and black labourers were permitted.

He also recalled how a former Rivonia treason trialist, Vuyisile Mini, was hanged for refusing to give evidence against another Robben Island inmate, Wilton Mkwayi.

"A lot has been achieved. South Africa is now free. We have our dignity [back]," said Kathrada.

In its 100-year history, the ANC, the oldest liberation movement in Africa, has had 12 presidents. It is an achievement praised by many African leaders .

Zambian President Michael Sata said the ANC had remained the same over the century.

"A hundred years is nothing. But what is important is its achievements of 100 years," he said.

Mozambican President Armando Guebuza said: "When we talked about the ANC in this part of the world, we would talk of a movement that for the first time after [the colonisation of Africa] organised itself to politically respond to the challenges of the moment."

The dinner was briefly disrupted after Zuma and his entourage rushed off to light the centenary candle at Waaihoek Wesleyan Church, where the ANC was formed in 1912.