UPDATE 2-S.Africa's Zuma dismisses fears of leftist takeover

* No takeover of ANC by the left, says Zuma

* Cautions against associating policy to individuals

* Zuma comments helps rand currency firmer

(Adds rand impact, trader comment, background)

By Marius Bosch

JOHANNESBURG, Oct 30 (Reuters) - South African President Jacob Zuma on Friday sought to dispel fears that the ruling ANC's labour and communist allies were pushing the country's economic policy to the left.

Recent speculation that labour federation COSATU and the South African Communist Party were pushing policy to the left was a "feverish pre-occupation with a 'left takeover' of the ANC", Zuma said in a weekly letter written as ANC president.

"There is nothing therefore in the argument that the alliance partners determine the policy of the ANC," Zuma said.

The comments, Zuma's first public remarks on suggestions that ANC economic policy is shifting under pressure from the left, helped firm South Africa's rand currency.

Former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel was excluded from the cabinet's economic planning and decision making clusters last week. That, and the resignation of key government policy advisor Joel Netshitenzhe, fuelled investor concern that Zuma's allies may be pressuring him to change policies.

Investors are watching for signs of any departure from previously conservative fiscal policies in Africa's biggest economy, since Zuma became president this year.

Zuma is under pressure from unions and the SACP to introduce anti-poverty measures and loosen policies that saw budget surpluses and small deficits during a decade of strong economic growth.

CABINET DETERMINES POLICY

Zuma said the ANC classified itself as an organisation of the left because of its history as a liberation movement and bias towards the poor and workers.

He said only the South African cabinet determined economic policy and not individual ministers.