South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday encouraged members of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to be candid and forthright when they speak on party matters, even if they think it might harm the leadership of the party.

"Don't hold back, say it is as it is, call a spade a spade,' Ramaphosa said while addressing the party's 2019 elections manifesto workshop on Monday in Irene outside Pretoria.

He told ANC members to ensure the elections manifesto represents the views of the people and called on the party's branches to consult with people on the ground.

Ramaphosa said the manifesto must be based on one message and many voices across the length and breath of the country.

"We have a responsibility to apply ourselves to the tasks that face our people."

The ruling party’s support has continued to decline over the past few years. It managed to win the 2014 elections with 62.2 percent of the vote, which is a drop from 2009’s 65.9 percent.

On Sunday, during the Limpopo provincial elective conference, Ramaphosa promised to start his first term of administration after next year's general elections with the best policies.

Ramaphosa, who ascended to South Africa's highest office after former president Jacob Zuma was forced to resign in February, will only start his first term as president after the 2019 general elections.